The Paris Agreement on Climate Change Temperature: What You Need to Know

The Paris Agreement is a pivotal global agreement among nations, aimed at curbing climate change. It was adopted during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris in 2015 and entered into force in November 2016. The agreement sets out a global goal of keeping the temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Why is the Paris Agreement Temperature Target Important?

The Paris Agreement temperature target is essential because it is a benchmark for limiting the negative impacts of climate change. Scientists warn that if the global temperature rises by more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, it would lead to devastating consequences, such as rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, and food and water shortages. The Paris Agreement temperature target aims to prevent these consequences from happening or at least minimize their severity.

How Will the Paris Agreement Temperature Target Be Achieved?

To achieve the Paris Agreement temperature target, countries must significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement calls for countries to set and communicate their own nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to reduce emissions. These NDCs should reflect the highest possible ambition and are updated every five years. The Paris Agreement also emphasizes the need for international cooperation to tackle climate change, including support for developing countries to implement climate action.

What Is the Current Status of the Paris Agreement Temperature Target?

The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that the world is not on track to meet the Paris Agreement temperature target. Global temperatures have already risen by 1 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The report states that to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) must decline by about 45% from 2010 levels by 2030, reaching net zero around 2050. This will require rapid, far-reaching, and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society.

The Paris Agreement temperature target is crucial in the global efforts to address climate change. Achieving this target will require collective action from all countries and sectors of society. We must act quickly and decisively to reduce emissions and limit the negative impacts of climate change. By doing so, we can secure a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.