Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally. Adopted in 2015, the agreement sets a framework for countries to commit to limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This treaty plays a critical role in environmental policy, influencing air, water, and soil pollution by promoting sustainable practices and reducing emissions that contribute to these issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, at COP21 in Paris and entered into force on November 4, 2016.
2. Each country that is part of the agreement submits their own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline their plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
3. The agreement encourages developed nations to provide financial assistance to developing countries for climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
4. Parties to the agreement meet every five years to assess progress and increase their commitments based on collective needs for climate action.
5. The ultimate goal of the Paris Agreement is to foster global cooperation in combating climate change while promoting sustainable development and resilience against environmental impacts.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement influence national policies regarding air and water pollution?
  • The Paris Agreement influences national policies by requiring countries to set specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). By committing to lower emissions, countries indirectly address air pollution, as many pollutants stem from fossil fuel combustion. Additionally, efforts to curb emissions can improve water quality by reducing runoff from industrial activities, ultimately fostering cleaner waterways and healthier ecosystems.
• Discuss the relationship between the commitments made under the Paris Agreement and the need for sustainable management of soil resources.
  • Commitments made under the Paris Agreement directly relate to sustainable soil management by promoting practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and land use. For instance, adopting sustainable agricultural practices can enhance soil health while minimizing emissions from fertilizers and livestock. This approach not only helps in achieving climate goals but also supports soil conservation efforts crucial for food security and biodiversity.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in terms of its impact on global efforts to combat pollution and climate change.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement can be evaluated through its ability to unify countries towards common climate goals and encourage ambitious action against pollution. While there has been significant progress in raising awareness and setting targets globally, actual emission reductions have varied widely among nations. The effectiveness hinges on continuous commitment from all parties, enhancing cooperation for technology transfer, financial support, and adherence to NDCs. As nations step up their efforts over time, the collective impact could significantly mitigate pollution and contribute towards achieving global temperature targets.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, significantly contributing to global warming and climate change.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Individual countries' plans to reduce national emissions and adapt to climate change as part of their commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

A set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015 to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges, including climate action.