Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts, adopted in 2015 during the COP21 conference in Paris. It sets out commitments from countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit 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. The agreement relies on each country’s national commitments and includes a framework for accountability and transparency.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted by nearly 200 countries, making it one of the most comprehensive international accords on climate change.
2. Countries are required to submit updated NDCs every five years, demonstrating increased ambition in reducing emissions.
3. The agreement emphasizes the importance of financial support and technology transfer to assist developing nations in meeting their climate goals.
4. The goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is driven by scientific evidence indicating that exceeding this threshold could lead to severe climate impacts.
5. The Paris Agreement includes a mechanism for non-compliance, which aims to promote accountability among countries regarding their commitments.

Review Questions

• How do Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) reflect the individual commitments of countries under the Paris Agreement?
  • NDCs serve as the primary means through which countries express their commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement. Each country sets its own targets based on national circumstances and capabilities, reflecting a bottom-up approach that allows for flexibility. This decentralized method encourages participation from a diverse range of countries while holding them accountable for their progress towards achieving these self-determined goals.
• Discuss the role of the Green Climate Fund in supporting the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
  • The Green Climate Fund plays a critical role in facilitating financial support for developing countries as they seek to meet their climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. It provides funding for projects that aim to reduce emissions and enhance resilience to climate impacts. By channeling resources towards sustainable development initiatives, the fund helps ensure that vulnerable nations can transition to low-emission economies while adapting to changing environmental conditions.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in achieving its goal of limiting global warming, considering both its strengths and weaknesses.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in limiting global warming hinges on several factors, including the voluntary nature of NDCs and the varying levels of commitment among nations. While it has successfully mobilized widespread global participation and raised awareness about climate issues, critics argue that without legally binding targets or enforceable penalties, some countries may not follow through on their pledges. The agreement's emphasis on transparency and accountability through reporting mechanisms is a strength; however, continued political will and increased ambition from all nations will be essential for it to meaningfully contribute to limiting temperature increases and addressing the climate crisis.

Related terms

COP (Conference of the Parties): The COP refers to the annual meeting of countries that are parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where decisions are made regarding climate action.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): NDCs are the individual commitments made by each country under the Paris Agreement outlining their planned greenhouse gas reductions and climate actions.

Green Climate Fund: A fund established to support developing countries in their efforts to respond to climate change, helping them transition to low-emission and climate-resilient development.