The Paris Climate Agreement is an international treaty that was adopted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2015. It aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, with a target of limiting it to 1.5 degrees Celsius if possible. The agreement also seeks to increase the ability of countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change and to provide financial support to developing countries to help them transition to low-carbon economies.
Under the Paris Climate Agreement, countries pledge to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and to strengthen their efforts over time. Each country submits a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), outlining their specific commitments and actions to address climate change. The NDCs are reviewed and updated every five years.
Since the adoption of the Paris Climate Agreement, there has been some progress in the fight against climate change. Many countries have implemented policies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, such as transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and promoting low-carbon transportation. Some countries have also made significant investments in adaptation and resilience measures to protect against the impacts of climate change.
However, there are also significant shortcomings in the global effort to address climate change. Many countries are not on track to meet their NDCs and global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. The impacts of climate change are already being felt around the world, with record-breaking temperatures, more frequent and severe natural disasters, and the loss of biodiversity. It is crucial that countries increase their ambition and take more decisive action to reduce their emissions and protect the planet for future generations.
