The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, is a global agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting the increase in global temperatures. The agreement was a landmark in international climate change negotiations, with 195 countries signing on to the deal.
One of the key aspects of the Paris Agreement is the time period in which countries are expected to take action. The agreement sets a goal of limiting the increase in global temperatures to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. In order to achieve this goal, countries are expected to take action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
The Paris Agreement establishes a framework for countries to set their own national targets for reducing emissions, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These targets are expected to be updated regularly, with the aim of increasing ambition over time. The agreement also requires countries to report regularly on their progress towards meeting their targets.
The time period for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement is not set in stone. Instead, the agreement establishes a cycle of five-year review periods, known as the “Global Stocktake.” During these review periods, countries will take stock of their progress towards meeting the goals of the agreement, and will have the opportunity to revise their NDCs.
The first Global Stocktake is set to take place in 2023, and will be a crucial moment in the Paris Agreement process. At this point, countries will be expected to demonstrate that they are on track to meet their goals, and to increase their ambition if necessary.
In addition to the Global Stocktake, the Paris Agreement also includes a long-term goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the second half of the century. This goal is intended to provide a clear signal to businesses, investors, and governments that the transition to a low-carbon economy is a long-term process.
Overall, the time period for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement is flexible, but requires ongoing action and ambition from countries around the world. By setting a framework for regular review and updating of national targets, the Paris Agreement aims to ensure that countries are taking the necessary steps to address the urgent challenge of climate change.