The key points of the Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement provides for all countries to develop and announce a reduction target and for this to be reviewed in 5-year cycles. The previous strict distinction between two categories of industrialized and developing countries is largely eliminated, thus better reflecting reality. The large emitters will thus be held accountable. From Switzerland's point of view, this is an indispensable prerequisite for future climate policy.

The agreement takes into account the different levels of socio-economic development of the individual countries. Responsibility for reducing emissions and adapting to climate change lies with the individual countries. To maintain an overall view and determine what additional efforts are needed, the agreement provides for monitoring of efforts based on standardized data. In addition, transparency is to be strengthened at all levels (see box) so that the efforts of individual states can be disclosed and compared.

However, the scope of the commitments set out in the agreement is not yet sufficient to limit the increase in global warming to well below 2 degrees. Several provisions need to be fleshed out at the upcoming climate conferences. The foundations defined in Paris must be further developed in the coming years. Switzerland has committed to halving its emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Switzerland will also continue to work to expand the circle of financial donors - both the number of donor states and private funding.

Key points of the Paris Agreement

Differentiation: The climate targets and reduction performance expected of a country should be commensurate with its performance and level of emissions, and not solely with its membership in a country category. The vast majority of the articles apply to all Parties. However, an expansion of the donor group is only done on a voluntary basis.

Ambition: The aim of the agreement is to limit the increase in global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius and to continue efforts to keep the temperature rise to a maximum of 1.5 degrees Celsius. The reduction in emissions (peaking) is to be achieved as quickly as possible.

Emission Reduction: Each state must periodically develop and communicate national targets and implement appropriate measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Market mechanisms: The climate conference recognized cooperation as an important element and created a mechanism to help reduce emissions and promote sustainable development through market-based incentives (e.g., issuing and trading emission reduction certificates).

Transparency: States must report an inventory of their greenhouse gas emissions, information on progress made towards emission reduction targets. They should report on the effects of global warming as well as information on measures taken to adapt to climate change as well. This allows for an assessment and review of each Party's efforts.

Damage and losses: Within the framework of international cooperation and solidarity, the Parties shall strengthen the necessary approaches to limit the damage and losses caused by global warming. These include, in particular, early warning systems and risk assessment and management.

Funding: The industrialized countries should continue to mobilize financial resources from various sources. In doing so, the needs and priorities of developing countries should be taken into account. Other countries with appropriate capacity are invited to provide support as well.

Forests: States should maintain and strengthen the sink effect of forests and reduce emissions resulting from deforestation.

Source: Uvek

By the way - a media partner of Umwelt Perspektiven, Öbu - the network for sustainable business - was on site in Paris; more information on this subject here.