What Does the Paris Agreement Do?

By Anna Duncan

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that aims to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It was adopted in December 2015 at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The agreement has been ratified by 189 countries, including the United States, and entered into force on November 4, 2016.

What is the Paris Agreement?

The Paris Agreement sets out a global framework to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement aims to strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise, extreme weather events, and food and water scarcity.

What Does It Do?

The Paris Agreement requires all countries to submit national climate action plans known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These plans outline how each country will reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards a low-carbon economy. NDCs must be updated every five years with more ambitious Targets than the previous ones.

The Paris Agreement also establishes a transparency framework that requires countries to regularly report on their emissions and progress towards their NDCs. This transparency framework helps hold countries accountable for their commitments and provides a basis for international cooperation.

Adaptation and Mitigation

In addition to mitigation efforts, the Paris Agreement recognizes the importance of adaptation measures in addressing climate change. The agreement calls for enhanced support for developing countries in implementing adaptation measures such as building resilient infrastructure, improving agricultural practices, and enhancing early warning systems for extreme weather events.

The Paris Agreement also includes provisions for financing climate action in developing countries. Developed countries have committed to mobilizing $100 billion per year in climate finance by 2020 and to increase this amount thereafter.

The Role of Non-State Actors

The Paris Agreement recognizes the important role of non-state actors, such as businesses, cities, and civil society organizations, in addressing climate change. The agreement calls for increased engagement of non-state actors in climate action and encourages the sharing of best practices and experiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Paris Agreement is a crucial international treaty that aims to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting adaptation measures. It provides a global framework for countries to work together towards a low-carbon economy and hold each other accountable for their commitments. With continued effort and cooperation, we can achieve a more sustainable future for generations to come.