Paris Agreement on Climate Change

Definition

The Paris Agreement on Climate Change is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015 to combat climate change and its impacts. It aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with a goal of pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This agreement is significant in the context of environmental migration and population displacement as it acknowledges the need for countries to work together to address climate-related challenges that lead to forced migration and displacement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement marks a shift from previous climate accords by allowing each country to set its own emissions targets based on national circumstances.
2. Countries are required to submit 'Nationally Determined Contributions' (NDCs) every five years, outlining their plans for reducing emissions and adapting to climate impacts.
3. The agreement includes a framework for financial support, technology transfer, and capacity building to assist developing countries in addressing climate change.
4. The Paris Agreement recognizes that climate change is a significant driver of migration, prompting parties to consider its implications for people forced to move due to environmental factors.
5. Global cooperation under the Paris Agreement is essential for addressing issues related to environmental migration, as many affected individuals may seek refuge across borders due to changing climates.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement address the issue of climate-related migration?
  • The Paris Agreement acknowledges that climate change can lead to displacement and migration as a result of environmental degradation. It encourages countries to recognize and address these challenges in their national plans. By emphasizing the need for collaboration and support, the agreement aims to create frameworks that can help those displaced by climate impacts, ensuring their rights and needs are considered during international discussions.
• Discuss the importance of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) within the framework of the Paris Agreement in relation to population displacement.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are critical as they allow each country to outline specific commitments towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By setting ambitious targets in their NDCs, countries can mitigate the effects of climate change, potentially reducing the likelihood of displacement caused by environmental factors. Moreover, as countries reassess their contributions over time, this creates opportunities for adaptation measures that can also protect vulnerable populations from being displaced due to worsening climate conditions.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Paris Agreement on global efforts to manage environmental migration and population displacement.
  • The long-term implications of the Paris Agreement are profound as it establishes an ongoing framework for international cooperation in addressing climate change. As nations commit to reducing emissions and adapting to climate impacts, there is potential for significant progress in preventing environmental migration. However, this will depend on countries not only meeting their NDCs but also addressing underlying vulnerabilities that lead individuals and communities to migrate. If effectively implemented, the agreement could reshape how societies prepare for and respond to displacement scenarios influenced by climate change, creating resilience strategies that protect both people and ecosystems.

Related terms

Climate Refugees: Individuals who are forced to leave their homes due to sudden or gradual environmental changes caused by climate change, such as sea-level rise or extreme weather events.

Mitigation: Strategies and actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sinks to combat climate change.

Adaptation: Measures taken to adjust to the impacts of climate change, including changes in policies, practices, and technologies to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience.