The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that was adopted in 2015 by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The agreement aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Since the Paris Agreement is a crucial topic for the environment and global policy, it often appears in UPSC questions. Below are some frequently asked questions about the Paris Agreement in UPSC exams.
1. What is the main objective of the Paris Agreement?
Ans: The main objective of the Paris Agreement is to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
2. When was the Paris Agreement adopted?
Ans: The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) of the UNFCCC held in Paris, France.
3. How many countries have ratified the Paris Agreement?
Ans: As of January 2021, 189 out of 197 parties to the UNFCCC have ratified the Paris Agreement.
4. What are the key elements of the Paris Agreement?
Ans: The Paris Agreement includes various elements such as mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology transfer, and capacity building. It also recognizes the importance of forests in achieving climate change goals.
5. What is the difference between the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol?
Ans: The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997 and aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by developed countries. The Paris Agreement ensures all countries, including developing countries, take action to address climate change.
6. What is the role of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in the Paris Agreement?
Ans: The IPCC is responsible for providing the scientific basis for climate action and supports the implementation of the Paris Agreement by providing scientific assessments of climate change impacts and solutions.
In conclusion, the Paris Agreement is a crucial topic for UPSC exams, and candidates should have a proper understanding of its key elements, objectives, and implications for climate change policies. As an aspirant, it is crucial to stay updated with the latest developments related to the Paris Agreement and other international treaties that aim to address climate change.