Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015 that aims to combat climate change and its impacts by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It represents a landmark effort by nations around the world to collaboratively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance climate resilience, and support sustainable development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement encourages all countries to submit their own plans for reducing emissions, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are required to be updated every five years.
2. One of the key goals of the Paris Agreement is to mobilize financial resources to support developing countries in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
3. The agreement emphasizes the importance of adapting to climate impacts and enhancing resilience, particularly for vulnerable populations and ecosystems.
4. As of now, nearly every country in the world has ratified the Paris Agreement, highlighting a global consensus on the urgency of addressing climate change.
5. The long-term temperature goal set in the Paris Agreement aims not only to limit warming but also to achieve a balance between greenhouse gas emissions and removals in the second half of this century.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement aim to promote collaboration among countries in addressing climate change?
  • The Paris Agreement fosters collaboration by requiring countries to submit their own plans for reducing emissions, called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This framework encourages nations to set specific targets based on their unique circumstances while holding each other accountable through regular reporting and updates. By creating a platform for transparency and shared responsibility, the agreement facilitates collective action against climate change on a global scale.
• What are some key mechanisms that support developing countries under the Paris Agreement?
  • The Paris Agreement includes mechanisms like financial assistance and technology transfer aimed at supporting developing countries in their efforts to combat climate change. Developed nations are encouraged to provide funding and resources that help vulnerable countries build resilience, adapt to changing conditions, and implement mitigation strategies. These support systems are essential for ensuring that all nations can effectively participate in global efforts against climate change.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement's approach to achieving its long-term climate goals, considering current global trends in emissions.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement's approach can be seen through its emphasis on individual country commitments while recognizing that collective action is necessary. However, current global trends indicate that many nations are still struggling to meet their NDCs or have increasing emissions. This suggests a gap between ambition and action that needs addressing if the goals of limiting warming and achieving carbon neutrality are to be met. Continuous engagement and pressure on countries to enhance their commitments will be crucial for success.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

COP (Conference of the Parties): An annual conference where countries that are parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) gather to negotiate and assess progress towards climate goals.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The commitments made by each country under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change, which are meant to be updated and strengthened over time.