The Paris climate agreement is one of the most significant and comprehensive efforts to combat climate change. The agreement was adopted in December 2015, by 195 countries under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It aims to limit global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The agreement is divided into various sections, and this article will focus on the full text of the Paris climate agreement.
The Agreement starts with the preamble, which outlines the background and reasoning for its adoption. It recognizes that climate change is a significant threat to humanity and that it requires a global response. It acknowledges that developed countries have a historical responsibility for the current levels of greenhouse gas emissions and commits to a just transition towards a low-carbon economy.
The second part of the agreement sets out its goals, which include limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement also aims to enhance the ability of countries to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development.
The third part of the agreement outlines the obligations of the parties. All countries are required to submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) outlining their mitigation targets and strategies. Developed countries are also required to provide financial support to developing countries to enable them to implement low-carbon and climate-resilient development. The agreement also includes provisions for transparency, accountability, and reporting on progress towards the goals.
The fourth and final part of the agreement sets out the institutional arrangements for its implementation. This includes the establishment of an implementation and compliance committee, a mechanism to facilitate compliance, and a global stocktake to assess progress towards the goals.
Overall, the full text of the Paris climate agreement represents a significant milestone in the global effort to combat climate change. By adopting this agreement, countries have committed to ambitious goals and concrete actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The agreement provides a framework for cooperation and collective action towards a sustainable future for all.