Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts, adopted in 2015 during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) conference. It represents a collective commitment by countries to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an aim to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This agreement signifies a shift towards supranational collaboration in tackling environmental challenges, reflecting the intertwined nature of nationalism and global governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement requires countries to submit updated NDCs every five years, reflecting their increased ambition in reducing emissions.
2. A significant aspect of the agreement is its focus on transparency and accountability, ensuring that countries report on their progress towards meeting their commitments.
3. The agreement includes provisions for developed countries to provide financial assistance to developing nations, promoting equity in climate action.
4. The Paris Agreement emphasizes the importance of climate adaptation alongside mitigation strategies, recognizing that some impacts of climate change are already unavoidable.
5. Global participation is crucial; as of 2023, nearly every country in the world has ratified the agreement, showcasing a near-universal commitment to addressing climate change.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement illustrate the relationship between nationalism and supranational efforts in combating climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement exemplifies how nations can collaborate on a global scale while still maintaining their national interests. Countries set their own NDCs, allowing them to address climate change in a way that aligns with their specific circumstances and priorities. This balance between national sovereignty and collective action highlights the complexities of nationalism in the context of global challenges like climate change, where unilateral action is insufficient.
• In what ways does the Paris Agreement promote accountability among participating nations regarding their climate commitments?
  • The Paris Agreement enhances accountability through its transparency framework, requiring countries to regularly report on their emissions and progress towards their NDCs. This reporting process allows for peer review and encourages nations to be transparent about their efforts. The five-year review cycle also prompts countries to increase their ambitions over time, fostering a culture of accountability that is essential for collective success in combating climate change.
• Evaluate the impact of the financial mechanisms established by the Paris Agreement on developing countries' ability to meet their climate goals.
  • The financial mechanisms established by the Paris Agreement, particularly through initiatives like the Green Climate Fund, play a critical role in enabling developing countries to tackle climate change effectively. By providing financial resources and technical support, these mechanisms help nations invest in renewable energy, enhance resilience against climate impacts, and implement sustainable practices. This support not only aids developing nations in meeting their climate commitments but also fosters greater equity within international climate efforts, demonstrating how supranational agreements can empower national actions.

Related terms

COP: The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the supreme decision-making body of the UNFCCC, where countries meet annually to assess progress in tackling climate change.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): NDCs are individual countries' commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts, which are central to achieving the goals set by the Paris Agreement.

Green Climate Fund: An international fund established to support developing countries in their efforts to respond to climate change, helping them mitigate and adapt while transitioning to sustainable development.