The Paris Agreement is a global agreement that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. It was adopted in 2015 by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and signed by 196 parties, including 190 countries and the European Union.
In AP Human Geography, the Paris Agreement is an important topic in the study of environmental issues and international cooperation. The agreement has significant implications for the global economy, as well as for populations and ecosystems around the world.
At its core, the Paris Agreement seeks to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an aspiration to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To achieve this goal, countries have committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and developing strategies for adaptation to the impacts of climate change.
Parties to the agreement are required to report regularly on their progress towards their emissions reduction targets, and to update their targets every five years. The agreement also includes provisions for financial assistance to developing countries to support their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
From a human geography perspective, the Paris Agreement is significant because it recognizes the interconnectedness of social and economic systems with environmental issues. Climate change is not just an ecological problem; it is also a social and economic problem that affects different populations and regions in different ways.
The Paris Agreement acknowledges the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations, including indigenous communities, small island states, and developing countries. The agreement seeks to promote equity and justice in the global response to climate change, recognizing that those who have contributed the least to the problem are often the most affected by its impacts.
Overall, the Paris Agreement is a crucial international agreement that represents a major step forward in the global effort to address climate change. Its implementation will require ongoing cooperation and innovation from governments, businesses, and individuals around the world. In AP Human Geography, students can explore the complex social, economic, and environmental issues raised by the Paris Agreement and its implications for the future of our planet.