The Paris Climate Agreement is a historic international treaty that aims to address the issue of climate change by reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. This agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, by 195 countries and the European Union at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP21.
The main aim of the Paris Climate Agreement is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This is crucial in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, including more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms, as well as rising sea levels and ocean acidification.
Under the Paris Agreement, each country sets its own nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. These contributions are updated every five years, and countries are encouraged to progressively strengthen their targets. The agreement also includes provisions for transparency and accountability, as well as financial and technical support for developing countries.
One of the strengths of the Paris Agreement is its inclusiveness and flexibility. It recognizes that different countries have different capabilities and responsibilities in addressing climate change, and allows for a range of actions and approaches. It also encourages cooperation and collaboration among countries, as well as engagement with non-state actors such as businesses, cities, and civil society.
The Paris Climate Agreement represents a major step forward in the collective efforts to tackle the urgent and complex challenge of climate change. However, it is important to note that the current NDCs are not sufficient to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius, let alone 1.5 degrees Celsius. Therefore, there is a need for more ambitious and urgent action from all countries and sectors, including increased investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon transport.
In conclusion, the aim of the Paris Climate Agreement is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This requires ambitious and sustained action from all countries and sectors, and the Paris Agreement provides a framework for collective and collaborative action towards a more sustainable and resilient future for all.