The Paris Climate Agreement is a landmark international treaty that was adopted in 2015 by 195 nations. The agreement aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Although the United States withdrew from the agreement in 2017, the majority of countries remain committed to achieving its goals.

The Paris Climate Agreement is a legally binding agreement that requires each participating country to submit a national climate action plan that outlines their contributions to the overall goal of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. As of 2021, 191 countries have submitted their national climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

These NDCs are at the core of the Paris Climate Agreement. Each country’s NDC reflects their individual circumstances, capabilities, and priorities, taking into account their national circumstances. The Paris Agreement recognizes that developed countries should take the lead in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and that developing countries should be supported in their efforts to do so.

The Paris Climate Agreement states that each party should regularly communicate their NDCs every five years, with each successive NDC representing a further effort to reduce emissions. The first round of NDC submissions was due in 2020, but it was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many countries have already submitted updated NDCs, while others are still in the process of doing so.

The Paris Climate Agreement also includes provisions for transparency and accountability. Countries are required to regularly report on their emissions and progress towards their NDCs. The transparency framework allows for technical experts to review and provide feedback on the accuracy and completeness of these reports. This ensures that countries are held accountable for their commitments and progress.

In conclusion, the Paris Climate Agreement is an important international agreement that aims to limit global warming and mitigate climate change. The NDCs that countries submit are at the heart of the agreement, reflecting each country’s unique circumstances and priorities. The transparency and accountability provisions ensure that countries are held accountable for their commitments and progress towards the overall goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.