Deciphering the Paris Agreement and why 1.5 is the world’s new lucky number.
Written by Yuv Sungkur
In December 2015, the world witnessed a historic moment when nearly every country came together to sign the Paris Agreement. This landmark global accord aimed to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time - climate change.
The Paris Agreement Explained
In the battle against climate change, the Paris Agreement stands tall as a beacon of hope, representing a global commitment to address the pressing issue of rising temperatures and its far-reaching consequences. At the heart of this groundbreaking accord lies an ambitious goal - limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
In simple terms, the Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted by 195 parties (out of 198) during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The primary objective of the Paris Agreement is to limit the increase in global average temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It also aims to pursue efforts to limit the temperature rise even further, ideally to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Climate justice movements are advocating for countries to target and limit global warming to the 1.5-degree Celsius.
Why is everyone talking about 1.5 degrees?
Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels offers a significantly better chance at avoiding climate change's most severe and irreversible impacts than a 2-degree Celsius increase. The difference of half a degree might seem small, but it can make a substantial difference in the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and disruptions to ecosystems.
Furthermore, limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius:
Increases the chances of preserving coral reefs, which are vital for marine biodiversity and coastal protection
Provides a greater chance of survival and adaptation for these vulnerable populations than a 2-degree scenario
Helps mitigate the risk of severe disruptions to crop yields and water availability, reducing the potential for food crises and hunger
According to NASA, as of 2023, the world is currently at 1.2 Degrees Celsius since pre-Industrial times, and the 1.5 mark is expected to be reached within the next few decades.
What does the Paris Agreement entails?
The large majority of countries in the world must follow the Paris Agreement, and this includes:
The formulation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): These contributions outline how the country plans to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change. It's essential to keep these commitments updated and increasingly ambitious over time.
The obligation to unite once a year, in a selected city for the Conference of Parties (COPs).
Supporting developing countries: the agreement acknowledges countries' different responsibilities and capabilities in addressing climate change. Developed countries pledged to provide financial and technological support to developing countries of 100 billion USD annually by 2020 to help them take climate action and adapt to the changing climate.
Conclusion
The Paris Agreement is a monumental step towards safeguarding our planet for future generations. By unifying countries with a common goal to combat climate change, the agreement fosters a sense of global responsibility and cooperation. With its emphasis on ambitious targets, transparency, and support for vulnerable nations, the Paris Agreement represents humanity's collective effort to protect the environment and build a sustainable future.
Given the current trends, as of the 1.5 Degrees Celsius, it realistically seems like the world will cross the threshold in the next few decades. This is why it is important to keep advocating for better innovation, increasing financial support, and technology dissemination for developing countries to adapt to the effect of climate change.
