What Is the Paris Agreement in Simple Terms?

By Michael Ferguson

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that was signed in 2015 with the purpose of limiting global warming and its catastrophic effects on the environment. It is a historic agreement that was signed by almost every country in the world, including the United States, China, and India.

What is Global Warming?

Global warming refers to the gradual increase in Earth’s surface temperature due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. This increase in temperature can cause severe climate change effects such as sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity.

The Paris Agreement Goals

The goal of the Paris Agreement is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) compared to pre-industrial levels. The agreement also aims to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit).

How does it work?

To achieve this goal, each country sets its own Targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and regularly reports on their progress. Countries are also encouraged to increase their Targets over time based on their national circumstances.

What are Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?

Countries’ Targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions are called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These NDCs are submitted every five years and reviewed by an international panel.

Why is it important?

The Paris Agreement is important because it represents a global effort to address climate change and reduce its impact on our planet’s environment. It provides a framework for cooperation among countries in addressing a shared global challenge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Paris Agreement is an essential international treaty aimed at addressing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Its goals are ambitious yet achievable if every country makes a concerted effort to meet its Targets. By working together, we can ensure a sustainable future for our planet and generations to come.