The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015 by 196 countries, aims to limit the global temperature increase to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This goal is crucial to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and ecosystem collapse.
The Paris Agreement builds on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its goal to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. The treaty sets out a framework for countries to work together to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
To achieve the Paris Agreement goal, countries are required to submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) outlining their emissions reduction targets and strategies. These NDCs are reviewed and updated every five years, with the aim of increasing ambition over time.
The Paris Agreement also includes provisions for financial support to developing countries for their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, as well as for technology transfer and capacity-building.
Despite the Paris Agreement`s ambitious goal, there are concerns that current NDCs are insufficient to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, let alone 1.5 degrees Celsius. According to the United Nations Environment Programme`s Emissions Gap Report 2020, even if all countries fully implement their current NDCs, global greenhouse gas emissions are projected to reach 56.2 gigatons of CO2 equivalent by 2030, far above the level required to meet the Paris Agreement goal.
Therefore, there is an urgent need for countries to enhance their NDCs and implement ambitious policies and measures to reduce emissions and achieve the Paris Agreement goal. This requires a global effort and cooperation among countries, businesses, and civil society.
In conclusion, the Paris Agreement goal is to limit the global temperature increase to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Achieving this goal is essential to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and ensure a safe and sustainable future for all.