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Paris Agreement

Treaty

About

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty aimed at mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Adopted in December 2015, it entered into force on November 4, 2016. The agreement sets a long-term goal to limit the global average temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. It emphasizes the need for countries to peak their emissions as soon as possible and achieve net-zero emissions by the mid-21st century. The treaty employs a bottom-up approach, allowing countries to set their own nationally determined contributions (NDCs). It also includes provisions for adaptation, finance, and transparency. The agreement acknowledges the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, recognizing that countries have varying capacities and duties in addressing climate change. Regular reviews and updates of NDCs are mandated to ensure progressive ambition over time. The Paris Agreement has been ratified by nearly all countries, marking a significant global commitment to addressing climate change.