The Paris Agreement

This article sets a common language for all countries involved, ensuring that there's no confusion about the roles and obligations. Read more.

Article 1: Definitions

The heart of the Paris Agreement is found here: its goal is to strengthen the global response to climate change. The key points are:

• Limiting global temperature rise to well below 2°C, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.

• Increasing the ability of countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

• Ensuring that financial flows are consistent with low greenhouse gas emissions and climate resilience.

This is critical because, unlike previous agreements like the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement recognizes that global cooperation is needed to keep temperatures from rising to dangerous levels. The inclusion of 1.5°C is particularly significant as it reflects the urgency felt by vulnerable countries, such as small island nations, which face existential threats from rising sea levels.

Article 2: Principles and Objectives

This is where the Paris Agreement's flexibility shines. Unlike previous frameworks that imposed top-down targets on countries, each nation is responsible for creating and updating their own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These are climate action plans outlining how each country will reduce its emissions and adapt to climate impacts. The idea is that countries will gradually increase their ambition over time.

NDCs are submitted every 5 years, starting with an initial NDC just after the Paris agreement signing in 2016, and the first full NDC submitted in 2020. The next is due in 2025, 2030 and so on. This approach acknowledges that countries have different capabilities and circumstances, allowing for more equitable participation while ensuring that all are working towards the global goal.

Article 3: Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

Article 4 outlines how countries should reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It sets the long-term vision for the world to achieve "net-zero emissions" in the second half of the century, meaning any emissions would be balanced by carbon sinks like forests. Developed countries are expected to lead by setting economy-wide reduction targets, while developing countries are encouraged to enhance their efforts as they grow economically.

This shift from rigid targets to a more flexible approach is groundbreaking because it allows for national sovereignty in setting goals, while still holding everyone accountable.

Article 4: Mitigation

This article highlights the importance of natural ecosystems, like forests, in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It encourages countries to protect and enhance these natural "carbon sinks" to help mitigate climate change. Forests and oceans play a crucial role in balancing global emissions, so protecting them is vital for our climate goals.

Article 5: Sinks and Reservoirs

Countries can collaborate to achieve their climate goals, allowing for carbon trading and market-based approaches to reduce emissions. This means that if one country exceeds its climate targets, it can transfer its "extra" reductions to another country, effectively creating a market for emissions reductions.

It leverages economic incentives to encourage emission reductions globally, rather than relying solely on domestic efforts. However, strict rules are set to avoid "double counting," ensuring that reductions are real and credible.

Article 6: Voluntary Cooperation and Market Mechanisms

Climate change is already happening, and countries need to adapt to its impacts. This article establishes a global goal on adaptation, encouraging countries to build resilience and reduce their vulnerability. Importantly, it recognizes that adaptation is not a one-size-fits-all solution; local, national, and regional actions are needed, especially in developing countries that are most vulnerable. This is a key shift from earlier agreements that focused mainly on reducing emissions, acknowledging that adaptation is equally important.

Article 7: Adaptation

Climate change is already happening, and countries need to adapt to its impacts. This article establishes a global goal on adaptation, encouraging countries to build resilience and reduce their vulnerability. Importantly, it recognizes that adaptation is not a one-size-fits-all solution; local, national, and regional actions are needed, especially in developing countries that are most vulnerable. This is a key shift from earlier agreements that focused mainly on reducing emissions, acknowledging that adaptation is equally important.

Article 8: Loss and Damage

Developed countries are required to provide financial resources to help developing countries implement mitigation and adaptation measures. This is a continuation of commitments made in the UNFCCC, but the Paris Agreement builds on it by recognizing the need for scaling up climate finance. Developed countries have committed to mobilizing $100 billion per year by 2020, with future goals to be set based on the needs of developing nations, set to be established at COP29. Financial assistance is critical because many developing countries simply cannot afford the transition to cleaner technologies or the costs of adaptation without support.

Article 9: Finance

This article focuses on the development and transfer of climate-friendly technologies. It highlights the need for innovation to help countries reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts. The Technology Mechanism under the UNFCCC will support countries in accessing and deploying these technologies. Technology transfer is key to leveling the playing field, allowing developing countries to leapfrog to cleaner energy solutions without relying on outdated, polluting technologies.

Article 10: Technology Transfers

Developing countries, particularly the least developed and small island states, often lack the capacity to implement climate action. Article 11 emphasizes the need for capacity-building efforts to help these countries plan and execute their climate policies effectively. Capacity building acknowledges the significant gaps in technical and financial resources, which can hinder progress if not addressed.

Article 11: Capacity Building

This article encourages Parties to cooperate on promoting education, training, and public awareness related to climate change. It’s about ensuring that climate action is inclusive and engages the public at all levels. Achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement requires not only government action but also active participation from civil society, businesses, and individuals.

Article 12: Education and Public Awareness

One of the most important elements of the Paris Agreement is the creation of an enhanced transparency framework. Countries are required to report on their progress in reducing emissions and on the support they provide or receive. This transparency is key to building trust and ensuring that countries are meeting their commitments. This article marks a shift from earlier agreements where reporting was less rigorous. Now, every country is held accountable in a clear and transparent manner.

Article 13: Transparency

Every five years, countries will participate in a global stocktake to assess collective progress towards the Paris Agreement’s goals. This will help determine whether the world is on track to limit temperature rise and adapt to climate change, and it will inform countries on how they can improve their future contributions. This is a critical mechanism for raising ambition over time and ensuring that we are moving in the right direction.

Article 14: Global Stocktake

Compliance mechanism, established under this article, is facilitative rather than punitive. It consists of a committee that will assist countries in meeting their commitments through non-adversarial measures. In earlier agreements, non-compliance could lead to penalties. The focus here is on helping countries meet their goals rather than punishing them for failing.

Article 15: Implementation and Compliance