The Paris Climate Agreement is a landmark international treaty signed in 2015 that aims to combat the threat of climate change. It was adopted by 196 parties, including the United States, China, and India, and has been ratified by 189 countries as of 2021.
But what does the Paris Climate Agreement actually do? Let’s dive into the details.
Background
Climate change, caused mainly by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, poses a significant threat to the planet. The Earth’s temperature has already risen by about 1 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels, leading to more frequent and severe natural disasters, rising sea levels, and loss of biodiversity.
The Goals
The Paris Climate Agreement aims 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. This Target was chosen because it is widely believed that any higher increase in temperature could lead to catastrophic consequences.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
One of the key elements of the Paris Climate Agreement is the concept of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Each country is required to submit its own plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change impacts. These plans are not legally binding but are meant to be reviewed and updated every five years.
Transparency Framework
To ensure that countries are meeting their commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement, a transparency framework has been established. This framework requires countries to report their emissions data regularly and undergo peer reviews.
Financial Support
The Paris Climate Agreement also includes provisions for financial support from developed countries to developing countries for both mitigation (reducing emissions) and adaptation (preparing for climate change impacts) efforts. A goal of $100 billion per year has been set for these funds to be mobilized by 2020, and this goal is expected to increase beyond 2020.
The Significance
The Paris Climate Agreement is significant because it represents a global effort to address the threat of climate change. By bringing together countries from around the world, it acknowledges that climate change is a collective problem that requires collective action. While the Paris Climate Agreement alone cannot solve the problem of climate change, it provides a framework for cooperation and progress.
Conclusion
In summary, the Paris Climate Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it even further to 1. It does this through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), a transparency framework, and financial support from developed countries to developing countries. The agreement represents a global effort to address climate change and provides a framework for cooperation and progress.