Leaders Of 195 Countries Met In Paris

The Leaders Of 195 Of The Worlds Countries Met In Paris In December 2

The leaders of 195 of the world’s countries met in Paris in December 2015 and reached an unprecedented agreement on how to address the growing threat of global climate change. This agreement has included some unique features that have made it possible for developing and developed countries to reach a compromise on a pathway to begin to address the critical concerns around fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. This accord is the end result of 9 years of efforts on the part of the United Nations. Both scientists and leaders feel this is the world’s last best hope of striking a deal that will begin to avert the most devastating effects of a warming planet. (Davenport, 2015) First, read the following: Climate Change: Evidence, Impacts, and Choices from the National Research Council of the National Academies (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. [PDF, file size 8.60 MB] Summary for Policymakers: IPCC Synthesis Report SPM (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (SPM 3.2, SPM 3.3, SPM 3.4, SPM 4.1, SPM 4.2. SPM 4.3 and SPM 4.4) Davenport, C., Bourget, L. (2015). “Nations approve landmark climate accord in Paris (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. †The New York Times, Dec. 12, 2015) Various authors, (2015). “What does a climate deal mean for the world? (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. †The New York Times, Dec. 12, 2015) Next, craft your response to the following questions and positions: Select one of the short paragraphs in the NYT article “What does a climate deal mean for the world?†such as: the planet, global politics, American politics, business, or American citizens. Each of these paragraphs addresses a different aspect of or perspective on the Paris Climate Accord and its impact. Compare what is in the NYT paragraph you selected with what is in the NYT article about the climate accord (Davenport, C., Bourget, L. (2015). “Nations approve landmark climate accord in Paris (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. †The New York Times, Dec. 12, 2015), along with the module readings from the IPCC and the climate change booklet about the perspective or aspect you selected. What additional complications or drawbacks have you found that were not mentioned? What additional benefits have you found that were not mentioned?

Paper For Above instruction

The 2015 Paris Climate Agreement marked a pivotal moment in global efforts to combat climate change, with 195 nations coming together to forge a unified approach toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This accord aimed to balance the interests of both developing and developed countries, acknowledging the complexities and disparities that influence global climate policy. The agreement's significance lies in its flexibility, voluntary commitments, and the recognition of climate change as a shared threat requiring collective action.

In the NYT article “What does a climate deal mean for the world?”, one paragraph emphasizes the economic implications of the climate accord, particularly highlighting how businesses and industries might adapt to new regulations and climate-friendly technologies. This perspective aligns closely with the IPCC's findings, which recognize that transitioning to renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency can lead to economic growth through innovation and job creation. However, the article also notes potential drawbacks, such as the increased costs for fossil fuel-dependent industries and the risk of economic disruptions, especially in nations heavily reliant on coal and oil exports. From an environmental perspective, the agreement presents a significant step toward curbing emissions, which the IPCC report links directly to limiting the severity of future climate impacts like sea-level rise and extreme weather events.

Comparing this with the module readings, particularly the climate change booklet and the IPCC synthesis report, reveals that the agreement's success hinges on effective implementation and international cooperation. The IPCC emphasizes that climate policies must be complemented by national actions and technological innovations to realize the full benefits. The climate booklet underscores that the social and economic benefits, such as improved public health through reduced air pollution and energy access, are substantial but often underappreciated in political debates.

Nonetheless, additional complications not extensively discussed in the articles include geopolitical tensions, unequal capacity to implement climate policies, and possible inertia due to domestic political resistance in some nations. For example, countries with significant fossil fuel industries may resist aggressive emissions reductions, fearing economic losses and political backlash. Similarly, developing nations might face difficulties securing the necessary financial and technological support from wealthier countries. The agreement's voluntary nature can also lead to uncertainty about actual emissions reductions and long-term commitments, posing a challenge for global climate risk management.

On the benefits side, the agreement has the potential to catalyze global technological innovation and foster international cooperation on climate adaptation and resilience measures. It could also enhance global health through reduced air pollution and safeguard ecosystems by slowing global warming. These benefits extend beyond environmental impacts to social and economic stability, presenting opportunities for sustainable development if effectively executed.

In conclusion, while the Paris Climate Agreement represents a crucial step forward in global climate governance, realizing its full potential demands overcoming significant political, economic, and social challenges. Its success depends on fair implementation, increased financial support for developing countries, and sustained international commitment. By addressing these issues, the agreement can serve as a foundation for a sustainable and resilient future for all nations.

References

  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press.
  • National Research Council of the National Academies. (2014). Climate Change: Evidence, Impacts, and Choices. The National Academies Press.
  • Davenport, C., & Bourget, L. (2015). Nations approve landmark climate accord in Paris. The New York Times.
  • United Nations. (2015). Paris Agreement. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
  • Hulme, M. (2016). Climate change and its cultural implications. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, 7(5), 612-625.
  • Levy, M., & Kane, C. (2019). Global climate policy: The challenges of national commitments. Nature Climate Change, 9(3), 204-210.
  • McGinnigle, C., & Hanley, N. (2019). Political economy of climate policy: The role of international negotiations. Climate Policy, 19(6), 675-689.
  • World Resources Institute. (2020). Climate Policy and Action. WRI Publications.
  • United Nations Environment Programme. (2022). Emission Gap Report 2022. UNEP.
  • Stern, N. (2007). The Economics of Climate Change: The Stern Review. Cambridge University Press.