Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015 that aims to combat climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It establishes a framework for countries to set their own nationally determined contributions (NDCs) towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting resilience to climate impacts, and fostering sustainable development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, at COP21 in Paris, France, with participation from nearly every country in the world.
2. Each country must submit updated NDCs every five years, reflecting their highest level of ambition to meet the goals of the agreement.
3. The agreement includes a long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century, encouraging countries to decarbonize their economies.
4. A key element of the Paris Agreement is the emphasis on financial support for developing countries, aiding them in both mitigation and adaptation efforts.
5. The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement relies heavily on international cooperation and transparency in reporting progress towards emission reduction goals.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement promote global cooperation in addressing climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement promotes global cooperation by encouraging countries to set and share their own emission reduction targets through NDCs. By requiring nations to regularly update their commitments and report on progress, it fosters accountability and collective action. This collaborative approach is essential for tackling a global issue like climate change, as emissions from one country can impact the entire planet.
• Discuss how Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement are vital for achieving climate goals.
  • NDCs are crucial because they represent each country's specific plans to reduce emissions and contribute to the overarching goal of limiting global warming. These contributions are tailored to national circumstances and capacities, allowing for flexibility while still striving for a common objective. The requirement for countries to enhance their NDCs every five years ensures that ambitions increase over time, pushing nations towards more aggressive climate action.
• Evaluate the potential challenges faced by developing countries in meeting their commitments under the Paris Agreement.
  • Developing countries may encounter significant challenges in fulfilling their commitments due to limited financial resources, technological constraints, and vulnerability to climate impacts. While the Paris Agreement emphasizes financial support for these nations, gaps often remain between needs and available funding. Additionally, political instability or lack of infrastructure can hinder effective implementation of adaptation and mitigation strategies. Addressing these challenges is essential for achieving global climate goals and ensuring equitable progress among all nations.

Related terms

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

Climate Change Mitigation: Efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases, aiming to limit the severity of climate change.

Adaptation Strategies: Approaches and measures taken to adjust to the effects of climate change, minimizing damage and enhancing resilience.