The Paris Agreement is a treaty adopted on December 12, 2015, by the 196 parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The agreement aims to halt or limit the rise in global temperatures to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The Paris Agreement builds on the UNFCCC and its previous agreements, including the Kyoto Protocol. It recognizes the urgent need to address the global threat of climate change and the significant role of human activities in causing it. The agreement sets out a framework for action to strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change and also provides a roadmap for transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
The agreement requires each participating country to prepare a nationally determined contribution (NDC) that outlines its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The NDCs are updated every five years, with the first round due in 2020. The agreement also provides for a transparency and accountability system to ensure that countries are fulfilling their commitments and making progress toward their goals.
The Paris Agreement is a landmark achievement in the global effort to combat climate change. However, it is not legally binding, and its success depends on the willingness of countries to implement their commitments. The United States, under the administration of President Donald Trump, formally withdrew from the agreement in November 2020, but President Joe Biden has since rejoined the accord.
The Paris Agreement represents a crucial step forward in the fight against climate change, but there is still much work to be done. As individuals and communities, we can all take action to reduce our carbon footprint and support efforts to build a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.