Paris climate agreement what is
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Understanding the Paris Climate Agreement
Introduction to the Paris Climate Agreement
The Paris Climate Agreement, adopted in December 2015 during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP-21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), represents a significant milestone in international climate policy. This agreement marks a departure from previous climate treaties by emphasizing the importance of domestic politics in climate change mitigation and allowing countries to set their own climate goals.
Key Features of the Paris Agreement
Voluntary Pledges and Accountability
One of the most notable aspects of the Paris Agreement is its framework for voluntary pledges. Countries are encouraged to set their own targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which are then subject to international review. This system aims to increase global ambition through a process of "naming and shaming". The agreement also includes a "ratchet mechanism" to ensure that countries progressively enhance their commitments over time.
Adaptation and Transparency
The Paris Agreement strengthens the adaptation pillar of global climate policy by calling for stronger commitments from states and outlining transparency mechanisms for assessing progress. This approach aims to make adaptation an equal priority with mitigation. The agreement's emphasis on transparency and accountability is designed to build trust among nations and ensure that commitments are met.
Inclusion of Non-State Actors
The agreement also recognizes the role of non-state and sub-state actors in climate governance. It encourages joint efforts and collaborations to close the emissions gap left by state actions. This facilitative setting aims to integrate non-state climate action into the broader climate regime, although it also presents challenges such as the risk of tokenism and depoliticization.
Political Dynamics and Success Factors
Diplomatic Success
The Paris Agreement is considered a diplomatic success, especially when compared to the failed Copenhagen summit in 2009. The negotiations in Paris were marked by persuasive arguments about the economic benefits of climate action, which helped alter national and international policy preferences. The agreement's inclusive and binding nature has regenerated faith in the UNFCCC as a forum for multilateral climate action.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its successes, the Paris Agreement has faced criticism for not addressing the root causes of climate change and for lacking firm plans of action. Critics argue that the agreement's targets and promises do not align with the biophysical and socio-economic realities of climate change. Additionally, the current national commitments are insufficient to meet the goal of keeping global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius, necessitating further enhancements and over-delivery on current pledges.
Legal and Institutional Implications
Relationship with Previous Climate Treaties
The Paris Agreement is the latest instrument in the UN climate regime, following the 1992 Framework Convention on Climate Change, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, and the 2012 Doha Amendment. It represents both a break from the past and a continuation of previous efforts. Unlike the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement is not labeled as a "protocol," which has led to some ambiguity regarding its relationship with earlier treaties.
Influence on Climate Litigation
The Paris Agreement has also influenced climate litigation by creating international obligations that are incorporated into domestic laws and policies. Courts have begun to apply norms under the Paris Agreement in their decision-making processes, thereby enhancing the legal framework for climate action at the national level.
Conclusion
The Paris Climate Agreement is a landmark in international climate policy, offering a new approach to global climate governance through voluntary pledges, enhanced transparency, and the inclusion of non-state actors. While it has been hailed as a diplomatic success, significant challenges remain in ensuring that its ambitious goals are met. The agreement's long-term impact will depend on the ability of countries to enhance their commitments and the effectiveness of the mechanisms put in place to hold them accountable.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic