Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015 that aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. It serves as a framework for global action on climate change, with countries setting voluntary targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2015.
2. The agreement aims to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping the global temperature rise this century well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
3. Countries are required to submit and regularly update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline their targets and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
4. The Paris Agreement emphasizes the importance of climate adaptation, with countries required to engage in adaptation planning and implementation.
5. The agreement also includes provisions for financial assistance from developed countries to developing countries to support mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Paris Agreement relates to the right to a healthy environment.
  • The Paris Agreement is directly relevant to the right to a healthy environment, as it aims to limit global temperature rise and mitigate the impacts of climate change. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting climate adaptation, the agreement seeks to protect the environment and ensure a livable climate for present and future generations. The agreement recognizes the importance of a healthy environment for human well-being and development, and its successful implementation is crucial for safeguarding the right to a healthy environment.
• Discuss how public opinion has influenced the development and implementation of the Paris Agreement.
  • Public opinion has played a significant role in the development and implementation of the Paris Agreement. Widespread public concern about the impacts of climate change, particularly among younger generations, has put pressure on governments to take decisive action. The agreement was negotiated with input from a diverse range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations and environmental advocates. Moreover, the success of the agreement depends on continued public support and engagement, as governments must be held accountable for their commitments and the public must be willing to adopt sustainable practices to achieve the agreement's goals.
• Analyze how the Paris Agreement addresses the collective action problem of incentives in addressing global environmental issues.
  • The Paris Agreement attempts to address the collective action problem of incentives in tackling global environmental issues, such as climate change. By establishing a universal framework for climate action, the agreement aims to align the interests of individual countries and create a shared sense of responsibility. The agreement's mechanism of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) allows countries to set their own targets and strategies, which helps to overcome the free-rider problem, where countries may be tempted to benefit from the actions of others without contributing themselves. Additionally, the agreement includes provisions for financial assistance and technology transfer to support developing countries in their mitigation and adaptation efforts, addressing the issue of unequal capabilities and resources among nations. However, the voluntary nature of the agreement and the lack of strong enforcement mechanisms remain challenges in ensuring collective action and overcoming the problem of incentives.

Related terms

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): The climate action plans submitted by countries outlining their targets and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement.

Carbon Pricing: A market-based approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by putting a price on carbon, either through a carbon tax or a cap-and-trade system.

Climate Adaptation: Measures taken to adjust to the current and anticipated impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise, extreme weather events, and changes in precipitation patterns.