The Paris Agreement is a landmark international framework for addressing climate change. This lesson introduces its purpose, its place in the history of climate diplomacy, and the temperature goals that guide its action.
The Paris Agreement is an international treaty on climate change negotiated by 196 parties at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference near Paris. It was adopted on 12 December 2015 and opened for signature in 2016. It covers three connected areas: climate change mitigation, adaptation, and finance.
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What is the Paris Agreement?
An international climate treaty negotiated in 2015 and opened for signature in 2016. It addresses mitigation, adaptation, and climate finance.
What is the UNFCCC?
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, adopted in 1992. It provides the foundation and recurring negotiation forum for later climate agreements.
What are the agreement's temperature goals?
Hold the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
What is climate adaptation?
Action to adjust to actual or expected climate impacts, including building resilience and reducing vulnerability.
What does aligning finance with climate goals mean?
Directing financial flows toward development that is low in greenhouse gas emissions and resilient to climate impacts.
Quiz questions
Under the Paris Agreement, which aspect of nationally determined contributions is binding?Answer: Procedures for preparing, communicating, maintaining, and reporting on contributions.
What is the purpose of the Paris Agreement's Global Stocktake?Answer: To assess collective progress and inform the next round of national contributions.
How does a corresponding adjustment help when countries transfer mitigation outcomes?Answer: It records the transfer so the same emissions reduction is not counted by both countries.
What does Article 13 establish under the Paris Agreement?Answer: An enhanced transparency framework for reporting and reviewing climate action and support.
What participation threshold was required for the Paris Agreement to enter into force?Answer: At least 55 countries representing at least 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Based on the Wikipedia article Paris Agreement, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.