What Is the Paris Climate Agreement in Simple Terms?

By Alice Nichols

The Paris Climate Agreement is a global agreement to combat climate change and its harmful effects. It was adopted in December 2015 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) held in Paris, France. Let’s dive into the details of this agreement and understand it in simple terms.

What is the Paris Climate Agreement?

The Paris Climate Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an effort to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This is done by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which are the main cause of climate change.

Why was the Paris Climate Agreement necessary?

Climate change has become a major issue for our planet, with rising temperatures causing severe weather events, sea level rise, and loss of biodiversity. The Paris Climate Agreement recognizes that climate change is a global problem that requires a collective effort from all countries to combat it.

What are the key points of the Paris Climate Agreement?

1. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

Each country sets its own goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These goals are reviewed every five years to ensure progress towards meeting the overall goal of limiting global warming.

2. Adaptation

The agreement recognizes that some impacts of climate change cannot be avoided and focuses on adapting to those changes. Developing countries will receive support from developed countries in adapting to these changes.

3. Finance

Developed countries will provide financial assistance to developing countries for both mitigation and adaptation efforts.

4. Transparency

Transparency is important for ensuring that all countries are meeting their commitments under the agreement. Regular reporting and review are required from each country on their progress towards meeting their NDCs.

What is the current status of the Paris Climate Agreement?

Currently, 189 countries have ratified the agreement. However, the United States, which is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases in the world, has withdrawn from the agreement under the Trump administration. President Biden has since rejoined the agreement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Paris Climate Agreement is a global effort to combat climate change and limit its harmful effects. It recognizes that climate change is a global problem that requires a collective effort from all countries to combat it. The Agreement sets goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and provides support for developing countries to adapt to climate change.