What Is the Paris Agreement and What Was Agreed

The Paris Agreement, signed on December 12, 2015, is a historic international agreement aimed at addressing the challenge of climate change. The agreement is significant as it marks the first time that all the countries of the world have come together to combat climate change by pledging to limit global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.

The Paris Agreement was the outcome of the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in Paris, France. The aim of the conference was to reach a consensus on how to tackle climate change.

The agreement was signed by 196 countries, and it sets out a long-term goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero by the second half of this century. The main objectives of the Paris Agreement are to strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change, and to enhance the implementation of the UNFCCC through the provision of finance, technology, and capacity building to developing countries.

One key aspect of the Paris Agreement is that it is legally binding, which means that countries are required to take action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Each country is expected to submit a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) outlining the actions they will take to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

The Paris Agreement also includes a framework for transparency, which is intended to increase trust and confidence among countries. This framework includes a system for reporting and reviewing progress towards meeting the commitments made in the NDCs.

The Paris Agreement has been praised by many as a historic achievement in the fight against climate change. However, it has also been criticized for not being ambitious enough. While the agreement sets a target of limiting global warming to below 2°C, many experts argue that this target is not ambitious enough to prevent the worst effects of climate change.

In conclusion, the Paris Agreement is an international agreement aimed at addressing the challenge of climate change. It sets out a long-term goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero by the second half of this century, and it is legally binding. While the Paris Agreement has been criticized for not being ambitious enough, it is a significant step forward in the fight against climate change, and it provides a framework for continued action in the years to come.