Paris Climate Change Agreement Goals: What You Need to Know
The Paris Climate Change Agreement was adopted in 2015 by 195 countries with the goal of limiting the global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and striving to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement also aims to enhance countries’ abilities to adapt to the impacts of climate change and to make finance flows consistent with a low-carbon and climate-resilient pathway.
To achieve these goals, countries pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and cooperate on climate action. Here are some key components of the agreement:
1. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
Each country is required to submit a plan, known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), outlining their goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These plans are updated every five years and are expected to become more ambitious over time.
2. Global Stocktake
To assess progress towards the goals of the agreement, a global stocktake will be conducted every five years. This will take into account the latest scientific findings on climate change and the efforts of countries to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
3. Finance
Developed countries committed to providing financial support to developing countries to help them mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The goal is to mobilize $100 billion per year by 2020 and to increase this amount over time.
4. Technology Transfer
Countries pledged to enhance cooperation on technology development and transfer to help developing countries transition to low-carbon economies.
5. Adaptation
Countries recognized the importance of adapting to the impacts of climate change, particularly for vulnerable populations and developing countries. The agreement includes a framework for enhancing adaptation action and support.
6. Transparency
To ensure that countries are meeting their commitments, a transparency framework was established to track progress on climate action and provide clarity on each country’s emissions and climate finance contributions.
The Paris Climate Change Agreement is a landmark achievement in the global effort to address climate change. However, much work still needs to be done to ensure that countries are meeting their commitments and that the world stays on track to limit global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius. As individuals, we can also take action to reduce our own carbon footprint and support climate action in our communities.