Paris Agreement on Climate Change

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015, aiming to combat climate change and its impacts by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It connects the goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions with the broader issues of global health, sustainability, and economic stability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement marks a historic commitment by 196 parties to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to climate impacts.
2. Countries that are party to the agreement are required to submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) reflecting their climate actions and targets.
3. The agreement aims to promote financial flows towards low-emission and climate-resilient development pathways, linking climate action with economic growth.
4. The long-term goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century, which means balancing emissions with removal or offsetting measures.
5. The Paris Agreement emphasizes the importance of global cooperation and accountability, requiring countries to report on their progress every five years.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement on Climate Change connect to global health issues?
  • The Paris Agreement on Climate Change is intricately linked to global health as climate change poses significant health risks, including increased heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues from air pollution, and the spread of infectious diseases. By limiting global warming and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the agreement aims to mitigate these health risks and improve overall public health outcomes. It emphasizes that effective climate action can lead to healthier environments and better health systems globally.
• In what ways does the Paris Agreement promote international cooperation in addressing climate change and its related health impacts?
  • The Paris Agreement fosters international cooperation through a collective commitment by countries to achieve common climate goals. By requiring nations to submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) that outline their specific emissions reduction targets, it promotes transparency and accountability. This cooperative framework encourages sharing of resources, technology transfer, and financial support for developing countries, which is crucial for addressing both climate change and its associated health impacts effectively.
• Evaluate the potential long-term effects of the Paris Agreement on global health outcomes if successfully implemented.
  • If successfully implemented, the Paris Agreement could lead to significant improvements in global health outcomes by reducing the prevalence of climate-related illnesses and promoting cleaner air and water. With reduced greenhouse gas emissions, cities would experience lower levels of air pollution, leading to decreased respiratory diseases. Furthermore, addressing climate change may enhance food security and access to clean water, ultimately improving public health worldwide. The agreement's focus on sustainable development can create healthier environments that contribute positively to mental and physical well-being.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere, significantly contributing to global warming.

Climate Change Mitigation: Efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases, aiming to lessen the severity of climate change.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015 to address various challenges including poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, which are interconnected with climate action.