How do international agreements such as the Paris Agreement aim to address the greenhouse effect?

International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to address the greenhouse effect by setting targets and implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement establishes a framework for countries to collectively combat climate change and limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Countries are required to submit their own nationally determined contributions (NDCs), outlining their efforts in reducing emissions. Additionally, financial support and technology transfer are emphasized to assist developing countries in implementing climate actions. The agreement also encourages transparency, accountability, and a review process to track progress towards climate goals.

Long answer

International agreements, like the Paris Agreement, recognize the importance of addressing the greenhouse effect - the trapping of heat in Earth’s atmosphere leading to global warming and climate change. This agreement was adopted during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2015. Its primary objective is to strengthen the global response to climate change by limiting global temperature increase well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase even further, to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

To achieve these goals, international agreements focus on several key aspects:

1. Mitigation: Countries commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through their nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Each country sets its own targets and outlines its strategies and plans for emission reductions every five years. These targets can include various measures such as transitioning towards renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, enhancing sustainable agriculture practices, promoting afforestation, or adopting cleaner transportation systems.

2. Adaptation: International agreements also emphasize building resilience and adapting to climate change impacts that are already occurring or cannot be avoided. Parties collaborate on sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices related to adaptation strategies. Adequate financial resources from developed countries are vital for assisting developing nations with adaptation efforts considering their vulnerability to climate change impacts.

3. Finance: The Paris Agreement acknowledges the need for financial support to developing countries in order to enable their transition towards low-carbon and climate-resilient economies. Developed nations are committed to mobilizing $100 billion per year by 2020, with a more ambitious target set for subsequent years. These funds aim to assist developing countries in both mitigation and adaptation activities, as well as capacity-building initiatives.

4. Technology Transfer: Encouraging the transfer of environmentally sound technologies and innovation is another crucial aspect of international agreements such as the Paris Agreement. Advanced technologies can play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience against climate change impacts. Facilitating technology transfer from developed nations to developing ones helps bridge the technological gap and supports sustainable development.

5. Transparency and Accountability: The agreement establishes a robust transparency framework that aims to enhance trust among parties by ensuring that countries accurately report on their emissions, progress towards their targets, and the measures they undertake to address climate change. Regular reporting, review processes, and global stocktakes every five years help evaluate collective progress and allow for adjustments if required.

By addressing these key aspects, international agreements like the Paris Agreement seek to mobilize global efforts towards mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change, providing financial support, promoting technology transfer, and fostering transparency. Ultimately, these endeavors aim to reduce the adverse impacts of the greenhouse effect on ecosystems, economies, societies, and future generations.