Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that aims to combat climate change and its impacts by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This agreement brings together countries to set their own climate goals, which contributes to improved air, water, and soil quality as nations work towards sustainable practices and emissions reductions.

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. Countries that are part of the agreement are required to update their NDCs every five years to reflect their highest level of ambition in reducing emissions.
3. The agreement emphasizes the importance of financial support for developing countries to help them mitigate and adapt to climate change effects.
4. One of the goals of the Paris Agreement is to enhance adaptive capacity and resilience against climate-related hazards, ultimately benefiting air and water quality.
5. As of 2023, nearly every country in the world has signed the Paris Agreement, highlighting its significance as a collective effort against climate change.

Review Questions

• How does the Paris Agreement encourage countries to improve air, water, and soil quality?
  • The Paris Agreement encourages countries to set their own climate goals through NDCs, which can include measures aimed at reducing emissions from industries that pollute air and water. By committing to limit global warming, countries are motivated to adopt cleaner technologies and sustainable practices that lead to improved air and water quality. Moreover, these efforts can also positively affect soil quality by promoting sustainable land management practices.
• Discuss the role of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) within the framework of the Paris Agreement.
  • NDCs are critical components of the Paris Agreement as they represent each country's commitment to address climate change based on their unique circumstances. These contributions outline specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing strategies for adaptation. By regularly updating NDCs, countries demonstrate their ongoing commitment to climate action, fostering international cooperation and accountability in efforts that ultimately enhance environmental quality on a global scale.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in achieving its climate goals and its potential impact on future environmental health.
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement can be evaluated through its ability to bring together nearly all nations in a unified effort against climate change. While it has made significant strides in raising awareness and encouraging commitments towards emission reductions, actual progress varies among countries. Future environmental health depends on continued political will, technological advancements, and effective implementation of climate policies derived from NDCs. The ongoing success of the agreement hinges on countries meeting their targets and enhancing collaboration to ensure global temperatures remain within safe limits.

Related terms

Climate Change: A long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, often caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

Greenhouse Gases: Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), contributing to global warming and climate change.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Climate action plans submitted by countries as part of the Paris Agreement, outlining their goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.