The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, is an international treaty that aims to combat climate change by limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The goal of the Paris Agreement is to achieve a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and the amount removed from the atmosphere. This is known as achieving a net-zero emissions level.
The Paris Agreement sets out a framework for countries to work together to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The agreement covers both developed and developing countries and is based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Developed countries are expected to take the lead in reducing emissions and providing financial support to developing countries to help them transition to a low-carbon economy.
To achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, countries are required to submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) that outline their emissions reduction targets and the actions they will take to achieve them. These contributions are reviewed every five years, with the aim of increasing ambition over time.
The Paris Agreement also includes provisions for countries to support each other through technology transfer, capacity building, and financial support. Developed countries have pledged to provide $100 billion per year in climate finance to developing countries by 2020, with a commitment to increase this amount in the coming years.
The Paris Agreement is a significant achievement in the fight against climate change, but its success ultimately depends on the actions taken by individual countries. It is important that all countries work together to achieve the goals of the agreement and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.