Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that aims to address climate change and its impacts by limiting 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. This agreement represents a collective commitment by countries around the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to climate impacts, highlighting the need for global cooperation in tackling anthropogenic climate change and its wide-ranging effects.

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, over 190 countries have signed the Paris Agreement, demonstrating widespread international support for collaborative climate action.
3. The agreement emphasizes a flexible approach, allowing each country to set its own emissions reduction targets based on national circumstances and capabilities.
4. Financial assistance is provided to developing countries to help them transition to sustainable energy systems and adapt to climate change impacts.
5. The Paris Agreement includes a framework for reviewing and enhancing emissions reduction commitments every five years, encouraging countries to increase their ambition over time.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement seek to address the issue of anthropogenic climate change on a global scale?
  • The Paris Agreement aims to combat anthropogenic climate change by establishing a universal framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It sets a target of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius while striving for a 1.5-degree limit, recognizing that human activities are major contributors to climate change. By encouraging countries to set their own emission reduction targets through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the agreement promotes accountability and collective action on a global scale.
• In what ways does the Paris Agreement impact developing countries in relation to climate change adaptation?
  • The Paris Agreement plays a crucial role in supporting developing countries as they face unique challenges from climate change impacts. It establishes mechanisms for providing financial assistance and technology transfer to help these nations transition to sustainable energy systems and build resilience against climate-related risks. By addressing both mitigation and adaptation, the agreement ensures that developing countries are not left behind in the global response to climate change.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in achieving its goals related to limiting global warming and enhancing climate resilience, considering both successes and challenges.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement is assessed through its ability to mobilize international cooperation and encourage nations to commit to emissions reductions. While there have been notable successes, such as increased awareness of climate issues and commitments from numerous countries, challenges remain in translating those commitments into actual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Factors like political will, economic interests, and varying national capacities can hinder progress. The ongoing need for enhanced ambition in NDCs highlights both the promise of the agreement and the challenges ahead in achieving its long-term goals.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The individual pledges made by each country under the Paris Agreement to outline their specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate Adaptation: The process of adjusting practices, systems, and policies to minimize the damage caused by climate change and its impacts.