The Paris Climate Change Agreement: What It Was and Why It Matters

The Paris Climate Change Agreement, also known as the Paris Agreement, was a historic environmental accord that was signed by 195 countries in 2015. The agreement aimed to combat the effects of climate change by setting ambitious goals for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and limiting the rise in global temperatures.

The Paris Agreement was the result of years of international negotiation and cooperation. Its roots can be traced back to the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which laid the foundation for global efforts to address climate change. In 2011, parties to the UNFCCC agreed to work towards a new agreement that would apply to all nations and limit global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

The Paris Agreement builds on this goal by aiming to limit the temperature rise to well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit it even further to 1.5°C. To achieve this, each country that signed the agreement committed to creating a national plan, known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), that outlines its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Each country`s NDC is updated every five years to reflect progress and new targets.

Beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Paris Agreement also includes provisions for financial and technological support for developing countries and those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. It also provides a framework for transparency and accountability, ensuring that countries are following through on their commitments.

The Paris Agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016, and has since been ratified by 190 countries. However, in 2017, the Trump administration announced its intention to withdraw the United States from the agreement, citing concerns about the economic impact on American workers and businesses. The withdrawal officially took effect in November 2020, but President Biden has announced plans to rejoin the agreement.

The Paris Agreement is a crucial step in the global effort to combat climate change. By establishing clear and ambitious goals, providing support for developing countries, and promoting transparency and accountability, it represents a significant opportunity for countries to work together to save our planet. While the U.S. withdrawal was a setback, the recommitment of the Biden administration is a positive sign that the world is still committed to creating a sustainable future for all.