Copenhagen Accord

Definition

The Copenhagen Accord is a non-binding international agreement reached at the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen, aimed at addressing global climate change and its impacts. The accord recognized the need for substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and called for countries to set voluntary emission reduction targets, while also emphasizing the importance of financial support for developing nations to help them cope with climate change effects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Copenhagen Accord was significant as it was the first time that all countries agreed on the need for a collective response to climate change, despite its non-binding nature.
2. Under the accord, developed countries committed to providing $30 billion in 'fast-start' funding to support climate action in developing countries from 2010 to 2012.
3. The accord set a goal of limiting global temperature rise to no more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, highlighting the urgency of climate action.
4. Countries were encouraged to submit their individual emission reduction targets, known as Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), which formed the basis for future climate agreements.
5. The Copenhagen Accord faced criticism for not being legally binding and for not providing sufficient measures to ensure accountability among nations in their emissions reduction commitments.

Review Questions

• What were the main goals established by the Copenhagen Accord during the COP15 conference?
  • The main goals of the Copenhagen Accord included acknowledging the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally and setting voluntary emission reduction targets for countries. The accord also emphasized limiting global temperature rise to no more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Additionally, it recognized the importance of financial support for developing countries to aid them in mitigating and adapting to climate change effects.
• Discuss the significance of the financial commitments made under the Copenhagen Accord for developing countries in relation to climate change.
  • The financial commitments made under the Copenhagen Accord were crucial as they aimed to provide $30 billion in 'fast-start' funding to assist developing nations in addressing climate change from 2010 to 2012. This funding was intended to enhance capacity-building efforts, support adaptation strategies, and promote sustainable development initiatives. By facilitating access to financial resources, the accord sought to empower developing countries to implement effective climate actions while navigating their unique vulnerabilities and challenges related to climate change.
• Evaluate the impact of the Copenhagen Accord on future international climate agreements and negotiations.
  • The Copenhagen Accord had a significant impact on subsequent international climate agreements by laying the groundwork for a framework of voluntary national commitments through Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). While criticized for its non-binding nature, it sparked global awareness and dialogue around national responsibility for emissions reductions. The accord's emphasis on financial support also highlighted the need for equitable contributions from developed nations, influencing later negotiations such as those seen in the Paris Agreement. Overall, it served as a catalyst for rethinking global cooperation in combating climate change.

Related terms

UNFCCC: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, an international treaty aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts through cooperation among countries.

Kyoto Protocol: An international treaty that commits its parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the premise that global warming exists and human-made CO2 emissions have caused it.

Green Climate Fund: A fund established to assist developing countries in their efforts to respond to climate change, through financial support for projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience.