Knowledge Agora

     Global climate agreements are essential frameworks that unite countries in the fight against climate change, setting shared goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the planet. One of the most well-known agreements is the Paris Agreement, established in 2015, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to keep it under 1.5°C. Each participating country sets its own targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are reviewed and strengthened every five years to ensure continuous progress. The Kyoto Protocol, an earlier agreement adopted in 1997, was the first major international treaty to set binding emissions reduction targets for developed countries.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), formed in 1992, serves as the foundation for all climate agreements, providing a global platform for climate negotiations and collaboration. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) supports these agreements with scientific assessments that inform policymakers on climate risks, impacts, and mitigation strategies. Financial mechanisms, such as the Green Climate Fund, were established to support climate action in developing nations, helping them adapt to climate impacts and transition to low-carbon economies. Global agreements also address other environmental challenges, including deforestation, ocean health, and biodiversity loss, recognizing that these issues are interconnected with climate change.
Annual Conferences of the Parties (COPs) bring together world leaders, scientists, and activists to assess progress, negotiate goals, and address emerging climate concerns. Global climate agreements also promote the transfer of green technology, capacity building, and knowledge sharing, allowing all countries to benefit from advanced climate solutions. Enforcement of these agreements, however, can be challenging, as they often rely on voluntary commitments, transparency, and global accountability. Nonetheless, global climate agreements foster international cooperation and solidarity, creating a unified approach to addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time.