During the last decades, our planet has experienced various climate changes. Some of these changes have been caused by the increase in greenhouse gases, which generate global ecological and economic consequences and have worried many countries. For this reason, different international treaties have been developed to raise awareness about this problem. One of the most notable treaties is the “Paris Agreement.” Next, we will learn more about this agreement.
Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement on climate change is a legally binding international treaty designed to address climate change and its negative impacts. This agreement seeks to unite all nations to combat climate change and adapt to its effects. This agreement emerged during the XXI United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP21) held in Paris on December 12, 2015; however, even though it was adopted by 196 countries in 2015, it was not until December 4 November 2016, when this treaty came into effect.
Implementation and operation
The Paris Agreement is based on a social and economic transformation based on science and technology available to be implemented efficiently; for this reason, a five-year operating cycle was established under a series of climate actions that must be established, executed, and supervised by each member country. These actions must be modified in each operating cycle of the Paris Agreement to meet the established objectives.
Objectives of the Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that has brought together several nations to combat climate change and help countries adapt to the negative impacts caused by climate change. The Paris Agreement following objectives have been set:
– Limit the increase in global average temperature: The agreement seeks to keep the global average temperature above pre-industrial levels well below 2 degrees Celsius.
– Make efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C: Member countries commit to limiting the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius, which could significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.
Importance of limiting warming to 1.5°C
Limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius could have significant benefits, including:
- Reduce the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events.
- Protect different ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Prevent millions of people from facing problems of water scarcity, food insecurity, and forced displacement due to climate reasons.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) are emissions reduction plans and goals presented by member countries to communicate the measures they will take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the negative impacts of climate change. The NDCs are presented periodically and must reflect increasing ambition compared to the previous version, always with the temperature reduction objectives of the Paris Agreement.
Financial support mechanism
To achieve the objectives outlined in the NDCs of the different countries, the Paris Agreement establishes a mechanism for financial support (climate financing), technical support, and capacity development to offer the necessary tools to countries that need assistance in their efforts of climate action.
This is because some countries may suffer a greater impact from climate change, affecting their agriculture and economy. This may harm their adaptation process to new climatic conditions and the implementation of new technologies (such as renewable energies), which allows effective actions to be taken to contribute to fulfilling the plans established in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).
Transparency and reviews
While many work plans and projects may be relevant, they must be reviewed and audited to ensure that allocated resources are spent appropriately and efficiently. The agreement establishes a transparency framework to monitor and evaluate progress in implementing each country’s commitments.
What do you think about this topic? Do you want to know more about climate change and climate financing?
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