Paris Agreement

Definition

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in 2015 aimed at combating climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It represents a collective commitment by nearly all nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance their resilience to climate impacts, highlighting the principles of global cooperation and equity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during COP21 in Paris, with a goal to unite all nations in a common cause to tackle climate change.
2. As of 2021, 197 parties have signed the agreement, making it one of the most widely endorsed treaties in history.
3. The agreement requires each country to set its own greenhouse gas reduction targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are intended to be progressively more ambitious over time.
4. The Paris Agreement emphasizes financial support for developing countries to help them transition to low-emission economies and cope with the impacts of climate change.
5. A key feature of the agreement is the 'ratchet mechanism,' which encourages nations to update their commitments every five years based on their capabilities and new scientific data.

Review Questions

• What are the main objectives of the Paris Agreement and how do they reflect principles of global justice?
  • The main objectives of the Paris Agreement include limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius and fostering climate resilience among nations. These goals reflect principles of global justice by acknowledging that climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and developing countries, which have contributed the least to greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting international cooperation and equitable financial support for adaptation and mitigation efforts, the agreement aims to address these injustices and ensure a fair transition towards a sustainable future.
• How does the structure of the Paris Agreement encourage countries to increase their climate commitments over time?
  • The structure of the Paris Agreement incorporates a 'ratchet mechanism' that compels countries to submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) every five years. This mechanism promotes accountability by requiring nations to enhance their commitments based on current scientific knowledge and their own evolving capabilities. Additionally, it fosters a sense of peer pressure among countries, as progress is monitored globally, encouraging states to take more ambitious actions in response to both national interests and international expectations.
• Evaluate the impact of the Paris Agreement on global climate governance and its role in shaping international relations concerning environmental issues.
  • The Paris Agreement has significantly transformed global climate governance by establishing a framework for collective action against climate change that includes nearly all nations. Its emphasis on voluntary commitments allows for greater flexibility and inclusivity, enabling participation from both developed and developing countries. The agreement has also fostered new alliances and partnerships among countries, civil society, and private sectors in pursuit of sustainability goals. However, its reliance on self-determined contributions raises questions about accountability and enforcement, leading to ongoing debates about effective compliance mechanisms within international relations surrounding environmental issues.

Related terms

Climate Change: A long-term shift in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily driven by human activities such as fossil fuel burning, deforestation, and industrial processes.

COP (Conference of the Parties): An annual meeting of the signatories to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where countries negotiate agreements to address climate change.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Individual countries' plans outlining their efforts to reduce national emissions and adapt to climate change, which are submitted under the Paris Agreement framework.