Paris Agreement facts for kids
The Paris Agreement is an important international agreement that helps countries work together to fight climate change. It's part of a bigger effort called the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The main goals of the Paris Agreement are to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, help countries get ready for the effects of climate change, and make sure there's enough money to do all this.
This agreement was signed in Paris, France, in 2016. A huge number of countries, 197 in total, agreed to join forces to protect our planet.
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What is Climate Change?
Climate change means big, long-term changes in Earth's weather patterns. These changes can lead to things like rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, and shifts in temperatures. Scientists say that a lot of this change is caused by human activities, especially by releasing too many greenhouse gases into the air.
Why We Need the Paris Agreement
For a long time, countries have known that climate change is a serious problem. It affects everyone, no matter where they live. To solve such a big problem, all countries need to work together. The Paris Agreement was created to give countries a clear plan and a way to cooperate on this global challenge. It's about protecting our planet for future generations.
What are Greenhouse Gases?
Greenhouse gases are like a blanket around the Earth. They trap heat from the sun, which keeps our planet warm enough to live on. However, when there are too many of these gases, the blanket gets too thick, and the Earth gets too hot. Common greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. They come from things like burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) for energy, driving cars, and even some farming activities.
Main Goals of the Agreement
The Paris Agreement has three main goals to help tackle climate change. These goals are like promises that countries make to each other and to the planet.
Reducing Emissions
One of the biggest goals is to keep the global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels. Even better, countries aim to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). To do this, countries need to cut down on their greenhouse gas emissions. This means finding cleaner ways to produce energy, like using solar or wind power, and making cars and factories more efficient.
Adapting to Climate Change
Even if we reduce emissions, some effects of climate change are already happening. So, another goal is to help countries adapt to these changes. This could mean building stronger defenses against floods, developing new farming methods for changing weather, or creating early warning systems for natural disasters. It's about making communities safer and more resilient.
Providing Financial Support
Dealing with climate change costs a lot of money. The agreement says that richer countries should help developing countries. This financial support helps them reduce their emissions and adapt to climate change. It ensures that all countries, especially those with fewer resources, can take action.
How the Agreement Works
The Paris Agreement is unique because it lets each country decide how it will help. Instead of telling countries exactly what to do, it asks them to set their own goals.
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
Each country creates a plan called a "Nationally Determined Contribution" (NDC). This plan explains what the country will do to reduce its emissions and adapt to climate change. Countries submit their NDCs every five years. This allows them to update their plans and aim for even bigger goals over time. It's like setting personal goals for a team project.
Transparency and Review
To make sure everyone is doing their part, the agreement has a system for transparency. Countries have to report regularly on their progress. Other countries and experts can then review these reports. This helps build trust and encourages everyone to stick to their promises. It's like having a progress report to see how well the team is doing.
Global Stocktake
Every five years, there's a "Global Stocktake." This is a big check-up where everyone looks at the overall progress towards the agreement's goals. It helps identify what's working, what's not, and what more needs to be done. This review helps countries make their next NDCs even stronger.
Why the Paris Agreement is Important
The Paris Agreement is a landmark agreement because it shows that almost every country in the world is committed to fighting climate change. It's a powerful symbol of global cooperation.
A Unified Global Effort
Before the Paris Agreement, climate efforts were often less coordinated. This agreement brought nearly all nations together under one common cause. It sends a strong message that the world is serious about protecting the environment.
Long-Term Vision
The agreement isn't just about short-term fixes. It sets a long-term vision for a world that is carbon-neutral, meaning we remove as much carbon from the atmosphere as we put in. This encourages innovation and a shift towards a greener economy.
Inspiring Action
By setting clear goals and a framework for action, the Paris Agreement inspires governments, businesses, and individuals to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint. It shows that everyone has a role to play in creating a sustainable future.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Heads of delegations at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris
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Signing by John Kerry in United Nations General Assembly Hall for the United States
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The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi greeting the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, at the COP21 Summit on 30 November 2015
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See also
In Spanish: Acuerdo de París para niños
