Paris Agreement: A Global Commitment to Climate Action

Climate change poses a significant threat to the planet, with rising temperatures leading to severe environmental, economic, and social consequences. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Paris Agreement aims to strengthen the global response to this threat by setting ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing adaptive capacities.

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted on December 12, 2015, during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris, France. It was established to address the pressing issue of global climate change by uniting nations in a collective effort to limit global warming and mitigate its adverse effects. The agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016, after being ratified by at least 55 countries, collectively accounting for 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The central goal of the Paris Agreement is to keep the increase in global average temperature well below 2°C (3.6°F) above pre-industrial levels while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature rise even further to 1.5°C (2.7°F). Achieving this requires a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, with the aim of reaching net-zero emissions in the second half of the 21st century.

A distinctive feature of the Paris Agreement is the concept of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Each participating country is required to submit its own plan outlining the actions it will take to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change impacts. These plans are to be updated every five years, with each iteration reflecting increased ambition. While the NDCs are not legally binding, the agreement mandates that countries report their progress transparently, fostering accountability and encouraging global cooperation.

The Paris Agreement acknowledges the disparity between developed and developing nations in terms of resources and capabilities to combat climate change. To bridge this gap, it emphasizes the provision of financial assistance and technology transfer from developed countries to developing ones. An initial goal was set to mobilize $100 billion annually by 2020 to support mitigation and adaptation initiatives in vulnerable nations, with plans to establish a more ambitious target beyond 2025.

Beyond mitigation, the agreement places significant emphasis on adaptation enhancing the ability of countries to withstand and recover from the adverse effects of climate change. It encourages the development of national adaptation plans, the sharing of best practices, and international cooperation to build resilience, particularly in countries most susceptible to climate-related disasters.

To assess collective progress, the Paris Agreement introduces a "global stocktake" mechanism, occurring every five years. This process evaluates the combined efforts of all countries in achieving the agreement's long-term goals, providing insights into areas requiring enhanced action and informing future NDCs.

Despite its comprehensive framework, the Paris Agreement faces challenges. One significant issue is that the current NDCs are insufficient to meet the 1.5°C temperature target, necessitating more ambitious commitments from nations. Additionally, the withdrawal of key countries, such as the United States in 2020 and again in 2025, has raised concerns about the agreement's effectiveness and the potential for other nations to follow suit.

The Paris Agreement represents a pivotal step in global efforts to combat climate change, fostering unprecedented international collaboration. While challenges persist, its framework for emission reductions, financial support, and adaptive strategies provides a foundation upon which nations can build a sustainable future. Continued commitment, increased ambition, and cooperative action are essential to realize the agreement's goals and safeguard the planet for future generations.

?Maqbool Hussain, the writer is the member of Progressive Climate Foundation - PCF

References

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). "The Paris Agreement." https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement

UNFCCC. "Key Aspects of the Paris Agreement." https://unfccc.int/most-requested/key-aspects-of-the-paris-agreement

France Diplomatie. "COP21: The Key Points of the Paris Agreement." https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/french-foreign-policy/climate-and-environment/the-fight-against-climate-change/2015-paris-climate-conference-cop21/cop21-the-paris-agreement-in-four-key-points/

Wikipedia. "Paris Agreement." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_Agreement

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