Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015, aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This agreement marks a significant global commitment to sustainability, requiring countries to set and achieve nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted by 196 parties during the COP21 conference in Paris, highlighting a global consensus on climate action.
2. Each country’s NDC is meant to reflect its highest level of ambition in reducing emissions, with progress reviewed every five years to enhance accountability.
3. The agreement also emphasizes the importance of financial support for developing nations to help them transition to low-emission and climate-resilient economies.
4. While legally binding on its procedural elements, the Paris Agreement does not impose legally binding emission reduction targets on countries, allowing for flexibility in how nations meet their commitments.
5. As of 2021, nearly 190 countries had ratified the agreement, demonstrating a broad international commitment to combat climate change.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement facilitate collaboration among nations in addressing climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement promotes international collaboration by establishing a framework for countries to set their own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) while holding them accountable through a regular review process. This collaborative approach encourages nations to share best practices, technology, and financial resources, fostering a collective effort in combating climate change. The agreement's structure allows for tailored commitments based on each nation's specific circumstances, enhancing participation and commitment from diverse countries.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in achieving its goal of limiting global warming.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement is still being evaluated as countries work towards their NDCs and strive to keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius. While it has successfully brought together nearly all nations under a common goal, challenges remain regarding actual emissions reductions and varying levels of commitment. Ongoing assessments indicate that additional efforts are necessary to achieve the more ambitious target of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, particularly from major emitting countries.
• Critically assess the implications of the Paris Agreement on sustainable development goals globally.
  • The Paris Agreement has significant implications for global sustainable development goals by framing climate action as essential for achieving various objectives such as poverty reduction, health, and economic growth. By fostering international cooperation and encouraging investment in renewable energy, the agreement aims to create green jobs and enhance resilience against climate impacts. However, the effectiveness of these goals is contingent upon substantial financing and technological support for developing countries, as well as strong political will from all nations to prioritize sustainability over short-term economic interests.

Related terms

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The individual commitments made by countries under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.

Greenhouse Gases: Gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4).

Climate Mitigation: Efforts and strategies aimed at reducing or preventing the emission of greenhouse gases to combat climate change.