Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015)

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT

Background

• Adopted at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the UNFCCC in December 2015, held in Paris, France.
• Came into force on 4 November 2016.
• India ratified it on 2 October 2016 (Gandhi Jayanti).

Objective

• Limit global average temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
• Pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C to reduce climate risks.
• Achieve net-zero emissions in the second half of the 21st century.

Key Features

1. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

• Countries voluntarily set their own targets for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Must update and enhance every 5 years.
• India’s updated NDCs (2022):
  • Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 level).
  • 50% of energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
  • Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂-equivalent through forest cover.

2. Global Stocktake

• Every 5 years, starting from 2023, to assess collective progress toward climate goals.

3. Climate Finance

• Developed countries to mobilize $100 billion/year from 2020 to assist developing nations (extended till 2025).
• Finance to support mitigation and adaptation efforts.

4. Technology Transfer and Capacity Building

• Developed countries to support clean technology sharing and capacity building in developing countries.

5. Loss and Damage

• Recognition of loss and damage due to climate-related events (e.g., sea-level rise, extreme weather), though not legally binding on developed nations for compensation.

Legal Nature

• Not legally binding on emission reductions.
• Legally binding on procedural aspects like submission of NDCs and reporting.

India and Paris Agreement

• India’s climate actions are guided by the Panchamrit goals announced at COP26 (Glasgow, 2021):
  1. Non-fossil energy capacity: 500 GW by 2030
  2. 50% energy from renewables by 2030
  3. Reduce carbon intensity by 45%
  4. Reduce total emissions by 1 billion tonnes
  5. Net-zero by 2070