What Are the 3 Goals of the Paris Agreement?

By Alice Nichols

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international accord on climate change, adopted in 2015 by 196 countries. It is a legally binding agreement that aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Paris Agreement has three main goals that are crucial for the future of our planet.

Goal 1: Mitigating Climate Change

The first goal of the Paris Agreement is to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Countries have pledged to set their own Targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and regularly report on their progress towards achieving them.

The ultimate goal is to reach a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and removed from the atmosphere by carbon sinks such as forests and oceans. This requires a rapid transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

Goal 2: Adapting to Climate Change

The second goal of the Paris Agreement is to adapt to the impacts of climate change that are already happening or are inevitable. This includes measures such as building sea walls, developing drought-resistant crops, and protecting vulnerable communities from extreme weather events such as floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. Developing countries, which are often the most vulnerable to climate change impacts despite being least responsible for causing them, will receive financial assistance from developed countries to help them adapt.

Goal 3: Mobilizing Finance

The third goal of the Paris Agreement is to mobilize finance for climate action. Developed countries have committed to providing at least $100 billion per year in climate finance by 2020, with a focus on supporting developing countries in their mitigation and adaptation efforts.

This finance can take many forms, including grants, loans, and investments in renewable energy projects. The Paris Agreement also calls for a significant increase in private sector investment in climate solutions.

Conclusion

The Paris Agreement is a historic achievement in the fight against climate change. Its three goals – mitigating climate change, adapting to its impacts, and mobilizing finance – provide a comprehensive framework for global action.

The success of the Paris Agreement depends on the commitment and cooperation of all countries, as well as the active participation of civil society and the private sector. By working together, we can create a sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.