The Paris Climate Agreement is a landmark international treaty that aims to combat climate change and limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The agreement was adopted by 195 countries in December 2015 and came into force on 4 November 2016. In this article, we will explore how the Paris Climate Agreement works, its goals, and what it means for the future of our planet.

The Paris Climate Agreement has three main goals:

1. Limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with a goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

2. Strengthen the ability of countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience.

3. Mobilize finance and technology to help developing countries transition to a low-carbon economy.

To achieve these goals, each country that has signed the agreement has to submit a plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. These plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), are reviewed and updated every five years. The NDCs outline the specific measures that each country will take to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

The Paris Climate Agreement also establishes a global stocktake every five years to assess progress towards meeting the agreement`s goals. The first stocktake was conducted in 2018, and the next one is scheduled for 2023.

Another important aspect of the Paris Climate Agreement is the commitment to provide financial and technical support to developing countries. Developed countries have pledged to mobilize $100 billion per year by 2020 to help developing countries transition to a low-carbon economy and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

The Paris Climate Agreement also recognizes the need for enhanced action on adaptation and resilience. It establishes a global goal to enhance adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience, and reduce vulnerability to climate change.

In conclusion, the Paris Climate Agreement is a crucial global effort to combat climate change and limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. Through the NDCs and the global stocktake, countries are accountable for their emissions reductions and progress towards meeting the agreement`s goals. With the commitment to financial and technical support for developing countries, the Paris Climate Agreement is a truly collaborative effort to transition to a low-carbon economy and create a more sustainable future for all.