The Paris Agreement is a landmark international accord that was signed by 195 countries in December 2015. Its primary goal is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with a more ambitious Target of 1.5 degrees Celsius. In this article, we will delve into the details of what the Paris Agreement is all about and why it is important.
What Is the Paris Agreement?
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It was adopted on December 12, 2015, during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) held in Paris, France.
The Objectives of the Paris Agreement
The primary objective of the Paris Agreement is to strengthen the ability of countries to deal with climate change. Specifically, it aims to:
- Limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels
- Pursue efforts to limit temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels
- Increase adaptation efforts and promote resilience to climate change
- Make finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development
What Are Countries Required To Do Under The Paris Agreement?
Countries are required to submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs), which outline their plans for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. These NDCs need to be submitted every five years and must be progressively more ambitious than previous ones.
In addition, countries are expected to regularly report on their progress towards meeting their NDCs and provide information on their adaptation efforts.
Why Is The Paris Agreement Important?
The Paris Agreement is important for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a framework for global cooperation on climate change, which is crucial for addressing an issue that affects the entire planet. The agreement also acknowledges the different responsibilities and capabilities of developed and developing countries, which paves the way for fair and equitable action.
Secondly, by setting a clear long-term goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, the Paris Agreement provides a sense of direction and urgency to global efforts to tackle climate change.
Thirdly, the Paris Agreement sends a strong signal to businesses, investors, and governments around the world that low-carbon development is the future. This has already led to significant investment in renewable energy and other low-carbon technologies.
Conclusion
The Paris Agreement represents a major step forward in the global effort to tackle climate change. By providing a clear framework for action and cooperation, it lays the foundation for a more sustainable future. While there is still much work to be done to meet its ambitious Targets, the Paris Agreement has created momentum and optimism that we can address this urgent challenge together.