Explain the salient features of Paris Agreement on Climate Change

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in December 2015 during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Its goal is to limit global warming and address climate change on a global scale. Here are the salient features of the Paris Agreement:

1. Temperature Goals:

• Long-Term Goal: To limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. This more ambitious target reflects the recognition that even 2°C of warming would pose significant risks and impacts.
• Implications: Achieving these goals requires substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and significant changes in global energy systems.

1. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):

• Commitments: Each country must submit its own climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline their goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate impacts.
• Ambition and Transparency: NDCs are intended to be progressively more ambitious over time. Countries are required to update their NDCs every five years to reflect their highest level of ambition.

1. Global Stocktake:

• Review Process: A global stocktake is to be conducted every five years to assess collective progress towards achieving the Agreement’s goals.
• Purpose: The stocktake evaluates the effectiveness of climate actions and encourages countries to enhance their efforts based on the latest scientific information and progress.

1. Climate Finance:

• Support for Developing Countries: Developed countries are expected to provide financial assistance to developing countries to help them mitigate and adapt to climate change. This includes mobilizing $100 billion annually by 2020, with continued financial support beyond that year.
• Adaptation and Technology: Financial resources are also allocated to support adaptation efforts, technology transfer, and capacity-building in developing countries.

1. Adaptation and Resilience:

• Focus: The Agreement emphasizes the need to enhance adaptive capacity and build resilience to climate impacts, particularly for vulnerable communities and countries.
• Support Mechanisms: Countries are encouraged to develop and implement adaptation plans and strategies, with international support available for those in need.

1. Loss and Damage:

• Mechanisms: The Agreement acknowledges the issue of loss and damage associated with the impacts of climate change, particularly for the most vulnerable countries.
• Support: While not explicitly creating new financial mechanisms, the Agreement supports existing mechanisms like the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage.

1. Transparency and Accountability:

• Reporting: The Agreement establishes a transparency framework requiring countries to report on their emissions, progress towards their NDCs, and the support provided or received.
• Review: An accountability system ensures that countries are held responsible for their commitments and progress is assessed regularly.

1. Legal Status and Ratification:

• Binding and Non-Binding Aspects: While the Agreement’s temperature goals and transparency requirements are legally binding, the specific emission reduction targets are not legally binding. This flexibility aims to accommodate varying national circumstances.
• Ratification: The Agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016, after being ratified by at least 55 countries representing at least 55% of global emissions.

1. Long-Term Vision:

• Carbon Neutrality: The Agreement aims to achieve global carbon neutrality in the second half of this century, requiring net-zero emissions by mid-century for a balance between greenhouse gas emissions and removals.
• Sustainable Development: The Agreement integrates climate action with sustainable development goals, recognizing the need to address climate change while promoting economic growth and development.

The Paris Agreement represents a significant step forward in the global effort to combat climate change, fostering international cooperation and action while acknowledging the diverse capabilities and responsibilities of different countries.