The Paris Agreement, also known as COP21, is a landmark international agreement that was signed by 195 countries in 2015 with the aim of combating climate change. The agreement sets a target of limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.
The Paris Agreement requires countries to submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) outlining their emissions reduction targets and the actions they will take to achieve them. These targets are reviewed every five years to ensure they are in line with the agreement`s goals.
One of the key features of the agreement is the commitment to provide financial and technological support to developing countries to help them transition to low-carbon economies and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The agreement also establishes a transparency framework to ensure that countries are held accountable for their commitments.
Since its adoption, the Paris Agreement has faced criticism for not being ambitious enough and for lacking enforcement mechanisms. However, it remains a crucial step forward in the global effort to combat climate change and has been widely recognized as a significant achievement in international diplomacy.
In recent years, there has been concern over the United States` withdrawal from the agreement under the Trump administration. However, President Biden has pledged to rejoin the Paris Agreement, demonstrating the United States` renewed commitment to tackling the global challenge of climate change.
In conclusion, the Paris Agreement is a vital international agreement that sets out a framework for countries to work together in combatting climate change. Although there are criticisms of its effectiveness and ambition, the Paris Agreement remains a significant milestone in global efforts to address one of the most pressing issues of our time.
