The Paris Agreement ELI5: A Simple Explanation
The Paris Agreement is a global effort to combat climate change. It was created in 2015 and signed by 197 countries, including the United States. ELI5 stands for “Explain Like I’m 5” and that’s exactly what we’ll do here.
What is the Paris Agreement?
The Paris Agreement is an international treaty signed in 2015 that aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius. This is done by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Why is it important?
Climate change is a global crisis that affects everyone. The Paris Agreement is important because it’s the first time that almost all countries have agreed to work together towards a common goal. It’s a historic milestone in the fight against climate change.
What are the goals of the Paris Agreement?
The main goals of the Paris Agreement are to:
– Limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels.
– Pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels.
– Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to achieve a balance between sources and sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century.
– Increase the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development, in a manner that does not threaten food production.
How will the Paris Agreement achieve these goals?
Each country that signed the Paris Agreement sets its own targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These targets are called nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Countries are required to update their NDCs every five years to reflect their progress towards reducing emissions.
The Paris Agreement also includes provisions for financing, technology transfer, and capacity-building to help developing countries tackle climate change.
What does the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement mean?
In 2017, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Paris Agreement. However, President Joe Biden has since rejoined the agreement in 2021.
Conclusion
The Paris Agreement is a landmark global effort to combat climate change. By setting targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change, the Paris Agreement is a critical step towards a more sustainable future. While the United States’ position on the agreement has changed, it remains an important international treaty with significant implications for the future of our planet.