What Does Article 6 of the Paris Agreement Say?

By Michael Ferguson

The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015 by 196 countries, aims to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change. The agreement has 29 articles, each addressing a specific aspect of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

One of the most important articles of the Paris Agreement is Article 6. This article sets out the framework for international cooperation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving global climate goals.

What Does Article 6 Say?

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement recognizes that countries can work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve their climate Targets more efficiently and cost-effectively. It provides a framework for international cooperation through three key mechanisms:

1. Cooperative Approaches

Cooperative approaches refer to voluntary initiatives undertaken by countries or groups of countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These initiatives can take different forms, such as joint mitigation projects, emission trading systems, or other cooperative approaches.

Article 6 encourages countries to use cooperative approaches as a means to achieve their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. NDCs are individual country Targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Sustainable Development Mechanism (SDM)

The Sustainable Development Mechanism (SDM) is a new market-based instrument introduced under Article 6 that allows countries to cooperate in achieving their NDCs while promoting sustainable development.

The SDM builds on existing mechanisms such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol but with an increased focus on sustainable development and environmental integrity.

The SDM will enable developed countries to meet their NDC Targets by supporting emission reduction projects in developing countries. These projects will contribute towards sustainable development goals such as poverty eradication, food security, and access to energy.

3. Carbon Markets

Carbon markets refer to systems where entities can buy and sell carbon credits or allowances, which represent a certain amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon markets are a way to incentivize emission reductions by putting a price on carbon.

Article 6 encourages the use of carbon markets as a means to achieve NDC Targets. However, it also emphasizes the need for environmental integrity and transparency in these markets to ensure that emission reductions are real, measurable, and verifiable.

The Role of Article 6 in Achieving Global Climate Goals

Article 6 is crucial for achieving the global climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement. By providing a framework for international cooperation, Article 6 can help countries to achieve their NDC Targets more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Cooperative approaches, the SDM, and carbon markets can all contribute towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions while promoting sustainable development. These mechanisms can also help to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries by enabling technology transfer and financial support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement provides a framework for international cooperation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving global climate goals. By encouraging cooperative approaches, introducing the SDM, and promoting carbon markets, Article 6 can help countries to achieve their NDC Targets while promoting sustainable development.