Explain Paris Agreement.

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted in December 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It represents a global effort to address climate change by committing countries to limit global warming and enhance climate resilience. Here's an explanation of the Paris Agreement:

1. Goals and Objectives: The primary goal of the Paris Agreement is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. By aiming to keep global temperature rise within this threshold, the Agreement seeks to avoid the most severe impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss.

2. National Contributions (NDCs): The Paris Agreement relies on nationally determined contributions (NDCs), whereby each country sets its own targets and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. Countries submit their NDCs voluntarily, outlining their emission reduction targets, adaptation plans, and strategies for climate resilience. These NDCs are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect countries' evolving circumstances and commitments.

3. Transparency and Accountability: The Paris Agreement establishes a robust framework for transparency, accountability, and global stocktaking to track countries' progress in implementing their NDCs and achieving climate goals. It includes provisions for regular reporting, monitoring, and review of countries' emission reduction efforts, adaptation actions, and financial support provided and received.

4. Finance and Support: The Agreement recognizes the importance of financial support, technology transfer, and capacity-building assistance to help developing countries mitigate and adapt to climate change. It calls for scaled-up financial flows from developed to developing countries, mobilizing climate finance from various sources, including public funds, private investment, and innovative financing mechanisms.

5. Global Cooperation and Solidarity: The Paris Agreement emphasizes the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, recognizing that all countries have a role to play in addressing climate change, but developed countries should take the lead in providing financial and technological support to developing countries. It fosters global cooperation, collaboration, and solidarity to address climate challenges collectively.

6. Entry into Force and Implementation: The Paris Agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016, after surpassing the threshold of ratification by at least 55 countries representing at least 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Since then, countries have been working to implement their NDCs, enhance climate ambition, and strengthen international cooperation to achieve the Agreement's objectives.

In summary, the Paris Agreement is a historic international treaty aimed at combating climate change by setting ambitious goals, promoting global cooperation, and mobilizing collective action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance climate resilience, and safeguard the planet for future generations.