Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015 aimed at addressing climate change and limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This agreement represents a collective effort by countries around the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable development, and enhance resilience to climate impacts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris, France.
2. As of 2021, nearly every country in the world has signed the agreement, reflecting a global consensus on the urgency of addressing climate change.
3. The agreement includes mechanisms for countries to regularly update their climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), every five years.
4. Financial support for developing countries is a crucial element of the agreement, aimed at helping them transition to low-carbon economies and adapt to climate impacts.
5. The long-term goal of the Paris Agreement is to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century, requiring substantial changes in energy production, transportation, and industry.

Review Questions

• What are the key goals of the Paris Agreement and how do they aim to combat climate change?
  • The key goals of the Paris Agreement include limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius and pursuing efforts to restrict it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To achieve these goals, countries commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and enhancing resilience against climate impacts. This collective approach encourages nations to work together, share resources, and hold each other accountable in the fight against climate change.
• Evaluate the role of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) within the framework of the Paris Agreement and their importance in achieving climate goals.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are central to the implementation of the Paris Agreement, as they represent each country's specific commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By requiring countries to set and periodically update their NDCs every five years, the agreement fosters accountability and encourages nations to enhance their climate actions over time. The effectiveness of NDCs relies on robust monitoring and transparency mechanisms that ensure countries follow through on their commitments while adapting their plans based on new scientific findings or changing circumstances.
• Discuss how the Paris Agreement addresses equity among developed and developing nations in terms of climate action and financial support.
  • The Paris Agreement recognizes that developed nations have historically contributed more to climate change and therefore emphasizes their responsibility to provide financial and technical support to developing countries. This includes assistance for both mitigation efforts—reducing emissions—and adaptation strategies—preparing for climate impacts. By incorporating provisions for equity, such as capacity-building measures and technology transfer, the agreement aims to ensure that all nations can participate meaningfully in global efforts against climate change while respecting their varying capacities and responsibilities.

Related terms

Climate Change: A long-term change in global or regional climate patterns, often attributed to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), contributing to global warming.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country's plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change, which is submitted as part of their commitment under the Paris Agreement.