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Paris Agreement

Paris Agreement

A landmark international treaty adopted in 2015 that establishes a global framework to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement represents a watershed moment in climate change diplomacy, marking the first time nations worldwide united around a legally binding commitment to address global warming. Adopted at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) in Paris on December 12, 2015, the agreement builds upon the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Key Objectives

  1. Temperature Goals

    • Limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels
    • Pursue efforts to limit increase to 1.5°C
    • Recognize that these targets require significant greenhouse gas emissions reduction

  2. Adaptation and Resilience

Core Mechanisms

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

Each country must outline and communicate their post-2020 climate action commitments. These NDCs represent:

  • Individual national climate targets
  • Regular reporting on emissions
  • Implementation strategies

Climate Finance

The agreement establishes financial obligations:

  • Developed countries must provide financial assistance to developing nations
  • Goal of mobilizing $100 billion annually by 2020
  • Support for renewable energy transition and adaptation measures

Global Stocktake

The agreement includes a "global stocktake" mechanism:

  • Assess collective progress every 5 years
  • Review implementation effectiveness
  • Inform future climate policy decisions

Significance and Impact

The Paris Agreement represents a crucial evolution in global environmental governance:

  • Universal participation with 196 signatories
  • Legally binding elements combined with flexibility
  • Recognition of different national circumstances
  • Integration of sustainable development goals

Challenges and Criticism

Despite its historic nature, the agreement faces several challenges:

  • Voluntary nature of commitments
  • Gap between pledges and required action
  • Withdrawal and recommitment cycles (e.g., U.S. participation)
  • Questions about climate justice implementation

Implementation Progress

Countries are taking various approaches to meet their commitments:

The Paris Agreement continues to serve as the primary international framework for coordinated climate action, though its success depends on sustained commitment and implementation by all parties.