d) Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement of 2015 stands as a landmark achievement in international efforts to combat climate change. This global accord brought together an unprecedented number of countries, united in their commitment to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

The central aim of the Paris Agreement is ambitious yet critical: to keep the increase in global average temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This target is essential in mitigating the most dangerous effects of climate change, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems and agriculture.

Under the Agreement, each participating country is required to set national targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These targets are intended to be progressively enhanced over time. Additionally, the Agreement emphasizes the need for financial support for climate action in developing countries, recognizing the shared but differentiated responsibilities of nations in addressing climate change.

The Paris Agreement marked a significant departure from previous climate change protocols by involving not just industrialized nations but also emerging economies and developing countries in a collective effort. It underscored the universal nature of the climate crisis and the need for global cooperation and solidarity to address it.

This Agreement represents a hopeful step forward in the international community’s response to climate change, symbolizing a shared recognition of the need for urgent and sustained action to protect our planet and future generations. The ongoing commitment of nations to meet and enhance their NDCs continues to be crucial for the success of the Paris Agreement and the global fight against climate change.