The Paris Agreement is a pivotal international treaty aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and fostering a low-carbon, sustainable global economy. This groundbreaking accord was adopted on December 12, 2015, at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris, France. The Agreement has been ratified by 190 parties, encompassing almost every country in the world, demonstrating a strong global commitment to combatting climate change.
The Paris Agreement has two primary objectives:
- Limit global warming: The Agreement seeks to hold the increase in global average temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, with an ambition to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). This goal is crucial to preventing the most severe impacts of climate change on ecosystems, human health, and economies.
- Increase climate resilience and adaptation: The Paris Agreement aims to strengthen countries’ ability to deal with the impacts of climate change, focusing on adaptation, loss, and damage. It encourages countries to develop and implement adaptation plans, and to collaborate on measures to build resilience against climate-related disasters.
Key Elements
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country that has ratified the Paris Agreement is required to submit its NDC, which outlines its national climate goals, including emissions reduction targets and adaptation measures. Countries must update and resubmit their NDCs every five years, reflecting progress and ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions further.
- Finance: Developed countries are expected to provide financial support to developing nations to assist them in implementing their climate actions. The Paris Agreement sets a goal of mobilizing at least $100 billion per year by 2020, with this amount to be reviewed and increased by 2025.
- Transparency and Reporting: The Agreement establishes a robust transparency framework to track progress made by each country towards its NDC. This framework includes regular reporting on emissions and adaptation measures, as well as a global stocktake every five years to assess collective progress.
- Loss and Damage: The Paris Agreement acknowledges the need to address the adverse impacts of climate change, including loss and damage, in vulnerable countries. It establishes a mechanism to enhance understanding, coordination, and support in addressing these issues.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the widespread support and ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement, it has faced several challenges and criticisms. Some argue that the voluntary nature of NDCs does not provide enough incentive for countries to take strong action against climate change. Others contend that the financial commitments made by developed countries are insufficient to address the needs of developing nations.
The Paris Agreement represents a significant step towards addressing the global challenge of climate change. Its comprehensive approach, with emphasis on mitigation, adaptation, and financial support, has brought nations together in a unified effort to combat this existential threat. While challenges remain, the Paris Agreement’s framework provides a foundation for continued progress and increased ambition in the fight against climate change.