The Paris Agreement of 2015 was a historic moment in the global effort to combat climate change. It was signed by 197 countries and aimed to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
The primary goal of the Paris Agreement was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy. This was accomplished through a combination of national pledges, international cooperation, and financial support to developing countries. Each country submitted their own Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) outlining their goals for reducing emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Countries pledged to regularly report on their emissions and progress towards their INDCs. The agreement also established a framework for transparency, with a global stocktake conducted every five years to assess progress towards the agreement`s goals.
Another key element of the Paris Agreement was financial support to developing countries. A goal was set to raise $100 billion per year by 2020 to help these countries transition to renewable energy sources and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
The Paris Agreement also recognized the importance of protecting and enhancing natural ecosystems, such as forests, as a way to mitigate climate change. It established a mechanism for countries to reduce emissions through carbon credits generated by forest conservation and restoration projects.
The Paris Agreement also called for increased research and development in low-carbon technologies, as well as efforts to promote public awareness and education on the issue of climate change.
While the Paris Agreement was a significant step forward in the global effort to combat climate change, some critics argue that it did not go far enough. The agreement is not legally binding, and the INDCs submitted by countries are not sufficient to limit global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius.
Despite these criticisms, the Paris Agreement remains a landmark achievement in the fight against climate change. It represents a global commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a sustainable, low-carbon future.