Climate change poses a significant threat to the planet, demanding a unified global response. The Paris Agreement, a landmark accord, embodies this international cooperation, setting a framework for nations to combat climate change. Agreed upon at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris on December 12, 2015, it aims to significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and limit global temperature increase.
The core objectives of the Paris Agreement are to:
- Keep the global average temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C.
- Increase the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development, in a manner that does not threaten food production.
- Make finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.
This legally binding international treaty entered into force on November 4, 2016, and currently has 195 Parties (194 States plus the European Union).
How the Paris Agreement Works
The Paris Agreement operates on a five-year cycle of progressively more ambitious climate action undertaken by countries. This involves a continuous process of planning, implementation, and review.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
Every five years, each country is expected to submit an updated national climate action plan, known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). These NDCs outline the steps each country will take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. NDCs embody the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” recognizing that different nations have different capacities and circumstances.
Global Stocktake
A crucial element of the Paris Agreement is the “global stocktake,” which assesses collective progress towards achieving the Agreement’s purpose and long-term goals. The first global stocktake concluded at COP28 in 2023, resulting in a decision on accelerating action across mitigation, adaptation, and finance by 2030. This included a call for governments to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power in their next climate commitments.
Long-Term Strategies
In addition to NDCs, the Paris Agreement encourages countries to formulate and submit long-term strategies. These strategies, unlike NDCs, are not mandatory but provide a framework for long-term planning and investment in climate action.
The Paris Rulebook
The operational details for implementing the Paris Agreement were agreed upon at COP24 in Katowice, Poland, in 2018, and finalized at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2021. This comprehensive set of guidelines, known as the Paris Rulebook, covers various aspects of the Agreement, including:
- Transparency framework: Establishes a system for monitoring and reporting countries’ climate goals and actions.
- Carbon markets: Sets rules for international cooperation on emissions reductions, including the use of carbon markets.
- Adaptation: Provides guidance on adaptation planning and implementation.
- Loss and Damage: Addresses the issue of loss and damage caused by climate change impacts in vulnerable countries.
The Significance of the Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement represents a crucial step forward in global efforts to combat climate change. It provides a durable framework for international cooperation, guiding global action for decades to come.
- Global Commitment: It demonstrates a commitment from nearly all nations to address climate change.
- Framework for Action: It provides a framework for countries to set their own targets and take action to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts.
- Transparency and Accountability: It establishes a system for monitoring and reporting progress, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Shift Towards Net-Zero: It marks the beginning of a shift towards a net-zero emissions world, essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Paris Agreement’s success hinges on the continued commitment and ambition of all nations. By working together, countries can mitigate the impacts of climate change, build resilience, and create a sustainable future for all. Further information on the Paris Agreement can be found at the UNFCCC website.
