Deutsch: Paris / Español: París / Português: Paris / Français: Paris / Italiano: Parigi

Paris is a significant reference point in environmental discussions, often associated with the Paris Agreement, an international treaty on climate change.

Description

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty adopted by 196 parties at COP 21 in Paris, on 12 December 2015. It came into force on 4 November 2016, with the primary goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees, compared to pre-industrial levels. The agreement aims to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by setting ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The agreement operates on a 5-year cycle of increasingly ambitious climate action carried out by countries. By 2020, countries were expected to submit their plans for climate action, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Unlike its predecessor, the Kyoto Protocol, which set mandatory emission reduction targets for developed countries, the Paris Agreement requires all parties to make efforts to combat climate change, though the degree of commitment varies by country based on their specific circumstances and capabilities.

The Paris Agreement also includes a framework for financial, technical, and capacity-building support to countries in need, particularly developing nations. This support is essential for enabling these countries to achieve their climate goals and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Furthermore, the agreement emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability, requiring countries to regularly report on their emissions and progress in implementing their NDCs.

Special Considerations

The Paris Agreement stands out due to its inclusivity and global participation. Unlike previous climate agreements, it recognizes the different capabilities and responsibilities of each country in addressing climate change. This recognition is crucial for ensuring equitable and effective action on a global scale.

Application Areas

1. Policy and Governance: The Paris Agreement influences national and international policies, guiding legislation and regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
2. Renewable Energy: Countries commit to increasing the share of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power in their energy mix.
3. Sustainable Development: Integrating climate goals with sustainable development agendas to ensure economic growth aligns with environmental conservation.
4. Research and Innovation: Encouraging investment in research and development of new technologies for carbon capture, renewable energy, and climate resilience.
5. Public Awareness: Raising awareness and educating the public about climate change and the importance of collective action to mitigate its impacts.

Well-Known Examples

• European Union: The EU has set ambitious targets to become climate-neutral by 2050, aligning its policies with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
• United States: After rejoining the Paris Agreement in 2021, the US has pledged to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
• China: As the world's largest emitter, China has committed to peak its carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
• India: India has set targets to increase its renewable energy capacity and reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP, contributing to global efforts under the Paris Agreement.

Treatment and Risks

The Paris Agreement faces several challenges and risks, including:

• Political Commitment: Changes in government and political priorities can impact the commitment to climate goals, as seen with the US' temporary withdrawal from the agreement.
• Financial Resources: Securing adequate financial resources for developing countries to implement their NDCs remains a significant hurdle.
• Global Coordination: Achieving the agreement's goals requires unprecedented global coordination and cooperation, which can be challenging given differing national interests and capabilities.
• Transparency: Ensuring accurate and transparent reporting of emissions and progress is essential but can be difficult to enforce.

Similar Terms

• Kyoto Protocol: An earlier international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which set binding targets for developed countries.
• COP (Conference of the Parties): The supreme decision-making body of the UNFCCC, where global climate agreements are negotiated and adopted.
• UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change): An international environmental treaty addressing climate change, under which the Paris Agreement was negotiated.

Weblinks

• travel-glossary.com: 'Paris' in the travel-glossary.com
• space-glossary.com: 'Paris' in the space-glossary.com
• allerwelt-lexikon.de: 'Paris' in the allerwelt-lexikon.de (German)
• fashion-glossary.com: 'Paris' in the fashion-glossary.com
• glorious-food-glossary.com: 'Paris' in the glorious-food-glossary.com

Summary

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty aiming to combat climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. It requires all countries to set and pursue ambitious climate goals, providing a framework for financial and technical support, transparency, and global cooperation. Despite its challenges, the agreement represents a significant step towards a sustainable and climate-resilient future.

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