What Is the Paris Accord for Dummies?

By Michael Ferguson

The Paris Accord is an international agreement that aims to combat climate change and its devastating effects. It was signed in 2015 by 196 countries, including the United States, China, and India. The goal of the Paris Accord is to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

What Is Climate Change?

Climate change refers to long-term changes in the Earth’s climate, including changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and weather events. These changes are primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, which release large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing the planet’s temperature to rise.

What Is the Paris Accord?

The Paris Accord is a legally binding agreement that aims to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and limit global temperature rise. Each country that signed on to the agreement has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions over time through a variety of measures such as switching to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and protecting forests.

Key Elements of the Paris Accord

  • The Long-Term Goal: The Paris Accord aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions: Each country sets its own goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Transparency: Countries must report on their progress in reducing emissions.
  • Funding: Developed countries must provide financial assistance to developing countries for climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.

The U.S. Withdrawal from the Paris Accord

In 2017, the United States announced its intention to withdraw from the Paris Accord. However, the withdrawal process takes several years, and the United States remained a party to the agreement until November 4, 2020. The new U. administration has since rejoined the Paris Accord.

Why Is the Paris Accord Important?

The Paris Accord is important because climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution. By working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, countries can help limit global temperature rise and mitigate the worst effects of climate change such as rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, and loss of biodiversity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Paris Accord is an international agreement that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global temperature rise. While there are challenges to implementing the agreement, it represents an important step forward in addressing one of the most pressing issues facing our planet today.