Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts, adopted in 2015 at the COP21 summit in Paris. It establishes a global framework for countries to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. As of 2023, nearly 200 countries have ratified the Paris Agreement, demonstrating a global commitment to combat climate change.
2. The agreement includes a 'bottom-up' approach, allowing each country to set its own emission reduction targets based on its unique circumstances.
3. Countries are required to submit progress reports every five years, known as 'global stocktakes,' to assess their collective progress towards achieving the goals of the agreement.
4. Developed countries are encouraged to provide financial support to developing nations to help them transition to low-carbon economies and adapt to climate impacts.
5. The Paris Agreement emphasizes the importance of both mitigation (reducing emissions) and adaptation (preparing for the effects of climate change) as critical components of addressing climate change.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement encourage countries to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions?
  • The Paris Agreement uses a 'bottom-up' approach where countries are allowed to determine their own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) based on their individual circumstances and capacities. This flexibility encourages nations to take ownership of their commitments, fostering a sense of accountability. By requiring each country to report on their progress every five years through global stocktakes, the agreement aims to enhance transparency and encourage more ambitious actions over time.
• Evaluate the significance of financial support for developing countries within the framework of the Paris Agreement.
  • Financial support for developing countries is crucial within the Paris Agreement framework because these nations often lack the resources needed for effective climate action. By encouraging developed countries to provide funding and technology transfer, the agreement aims to facilitate a fair transition toward low-carbon economies. This assistance helps developing nations implement sustainable practices, adapt to climate impacts, and participate more fully in global efforts to combat climate change, thus promoting equity in international environmental efforts.
• Assess how the mechanisms established by the Paris Agreement might influence global cooperation on climate change in future decades.
  • The mechanisms established by the Paris Agreement have the potential to significantly enhance global cooperation on climate change by fostering accountability, transparency, and ambition among nations. The requirement for countries to submit NDCs and participate in regular global stocktakes creates a platform for sharing best practices and encourages peer pressure for more ambitious targets. As nations recognize the interconnectedness of their efforts, collaboration on technological advancements and funding can lead to innovative solutions that address not only their national goals but also contribute positively toward global climate resilience in future decades.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which are primarily responsible for climate change.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The specific climate action plans that each country submits under the Paris Agreement, outlining their intended reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

COP (Conference of the Parties): The annual meetings of countries that are parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where they discuss and negotiate actions to combat climate change.