PARIS AGREEMENT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env & Eco)

Context:  The Delhi Declaration captures the intent of the G20 countries, responsible for 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions, to meet Paris Agreement goals.

• One of the most important aspects of the declaration is that it underlines the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR).

 Paris Agreement

• Successor of: Kyoto Protocol.
• Adoption: 2015, during COP 21 of UNFCCC entered into force in 2016, after receiving ratification or acceptance from at least 55 Parties representing at least 55% of GHGs.
• Objective: To combat climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an aspiration to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
• Parties: 195.

Common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR)

• About: This principle recognizes that all countries share a common responsibility to address climate change, but their responsibilities should be differentiated based on their historical contributions to emissions and their varying capacities to take action.