The Paris Agreement is a milestone agreement that sets out a global action plan to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It was adopted by 196 parties at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris, France, in December 2015.
But what is the point of the Paris Agreement, and why is it so important?
The Paris Agreement is a crucial step in addressing the global climate crisis. It represents a collective effort by countries around the world to tackle the issue of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This is important because greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, trap heat in the Earth`s atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperatures and the potential for devastating consequences.
The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and ideally to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This is based on scientific research that suggests that limiting warming to these levels will help prevent the worst impacts of climate change, such as more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms. It will also help to protect biodiversity, reduce the risk of crop failures, and safeguard human health.
To achieve this goal, the Paris Agreement sets out a number of key provisions:
1. Countries must submit and regularly update their own national plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Developed countries must provide financial assistance to developing countries to help them transition to a low-carbon economy and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
3. There will be a review of progress every five years to assess whether the collective efforts are on track to meet the goals of the agreement.
Overall, the Paris Agreement is an important step in addressing the global climate crisis. It represents a global commitment to limiting warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius and working towards a sustainable future. While there is still much work to be done to meet the goals of the agreement, it provides a framework for countries to work together towards a common goal and take meaningful action to protect the planet for future generations.