The Paris Climate Agreement: A Summary of Key Points
The Paris Climate Agreement, also known as the Paris Agreement, is a landmark international treaty that aims to combat global climate change. Adopted at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris on December 12, 2015, the agreement has been signed by 197 countries and ratified by 190 (as of April 2021).
The primary goal of the Paris Agreement is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with the aim of limiting the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This will require countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy.
Here`s a summary of the key points of the Paris Climate Agreement:
1. Nationally determined contributions (NDCs): Each country is required to submit a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, known as an NDC. These plans are not legally binding, but countries are required to report on their progress and update their plans every five years.
2. Long-term goals: The Paris Agreement sets a long-term goal of achieving a balance between anthropogenic (human-caused) emissions and removals of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century.
3. Adaptation: The agreement recognizes the need for countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change, particularly developing countries that are most vulnerable to its effects.
4. Climate finance: Developed countries are required to provide financial and technological support to help developing countries reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. A goal of providing $100 billion per year in climate finance by 2020 was set.
5. Transparency: The Paris Agreement includes provisions for transparency and accountability, with countries required to report on their emissions and progress towards their NDCs.
6. Loss and damage: The agreement recognizes the need to address the loss and damage caused by climate change, particularly in developing countries that are most vulnerable.
The Paris Climate Agreement is seen as a major breakthrough in global climate action, as it provides a framework for international cooperation and sets a clear goal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While the agreement is not perfect and faces challenges in implementation, it represents a crucial step towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.