The Paris Agreement is a landmark international accord signed in 2015 that aims to mitigate the effects of climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement was signed by 196 countries, including the United States, and is considered a significant step forward in the fight against global warming.
So, what does the Paris Agreement do?
First and foremost, the Paris Agreement sets a global target of limiting the increase in the Earth`s temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels. The agreement calls for all countries to take ambitious efforts to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in order to achieve this goal.
To achieve this target, the Paris Agreement sets up a system of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) where each country is required to submit their own plan to reduce emissions and address climate change. The plans are updated every five years and are designed to be more ambitious over time.
The Paris Agreement also creates a system of transparency and accountability. Countries are required to regularly report on their progress in reducing emissions and implementing their NDCs. In addition, a global stocktake is conducted every five years to assess progress towards the long-term temperature goal and to identify areas where more action is needed.
Another important aspect of the Paris Agreement is the commitment to support developing countries in their efforts to address climate change. Developed countries are required to provide financial and technological support to developing countries to help them reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Overall, the Paris Agreement represents a global effort to address climate change and reduce the negative impacts it has on our planet. The agreement recognizes the urgent need to take action and provides a framework for countries to work together towards a common goal.
While the Paris Agreement is not perfect, it represents a significant step forward in the global effort to combat climate change and protect our planet for future generations.
