November 1, 2015
The Paris Agreement was adopted by consensus at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC in Paris, aiming to combat climate change.
Paris, France | United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
On December 12, 2015, the Paris Agreement was adopted by consensus at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris, France. This landmark international treaty aims to combat climate change and accelerate actions and investments needed for a sustainable low-carbon future.
UNFCCC: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, established in 1992, serves as the foundation for global efforts to address climate change. It provides a framework for negotiating specific international treaties (protocols) that may set binding limits on greenhouse gases.
Previous Efforts: Before the Paris Agreement, the Kyoto Protocol was the primary international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, it faced criticism for its limited scope and lack of participation from major emitters like the United States and China.
Rising Concerns: By the early 21st century, the scientific consensus on climate change and its potential impacts had strengthened, leading to increased calls for a more inclusive and effective global agreement.
Global Temperature Goal: The agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country is required to prepare, communicate, and maintain successive NDCs that it intends to achieve. These contributions represent efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Financial Support: Developed countries are expected to provide financial resources to assist developing countries in implementing the agreement, with a goal of mobilizing $100 billion per year by 2020.
Transparency and Accountability: The agreement establishes a framework for transparency and accountability, requiring countries to report on their emissions and progress towards their NDCs.
Adaptation and Resilience: It emphasizes the importance of adaptation and resilience, recognizing the need to support vulnerable countries in managing the impacts of climate change.
Global Participation: The Paris Agreement is notable for its near-universal participation, with 196 parties (countries) having signed the agreement as of 2023.
Catalyst for Action: It has served as a catalyst for increased climate action at national and sub-national levels, encouraging governments, businesses, and civil society to enhance their efforts to reduce emissions and promote sustainable development.
Challenges and Criticisms: Despite its achievements, the agreement faces challenges, including the adequacy of current NDCs to meet the temperature goals and the need for increased financial support for developing countries.
The adoption of the Paris Agreement marked a significant milestone in international climate diplomacy. It represents a collective commitment to addressing the global challenge of climate change through cooperative efforts and shared responsibilities. As countries continue to implement and update their NDCs, the agreement remains a central framework guiding global climate action.
Source: unfccc.int