The Paris Climate Agreement is an accord adopted unanimously by 195 countries at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) held in Paris on December 12, 2015. The agreement aims to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels while striving to ensure that the temperature increase does not exceed 2°C. It also calls for each country to submit its national contributions (INDC) for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and for these contributions to be reviewed every five years. The agreement encourages regular review processes based on scientific data and recommends significant investments in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Key elements of the agreement include sustainable development, climate justice, and the transfer of technology.

^{Paris Climate Agreement Signing Ceremony (Source:  Hukuk Ansiklopedisi)}

Cooperation and Participation

The Paris Agreement encourages the participation of all countries in the fight against climate change. Each country is required to contribute to the fight against climate change through its national contributions (NDC). The agreement allows countries to determine their contributions flexibly, taking into account their economic capacity and development level. Every five years, countries are encouraged to review their commitments and set more ambitious targets. The agreement aims to foster a cooperative approach and establish an equitable solidarity among countries. It is expected that national strategies for adapting to climate change will be developed, not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also to adapt to climate change.

Financing

The Paris Agreement recognizes the critical role of financing in the fight against climate change. The goal is to provide $100 billion annually for climate financing by 2020. Developed countries have committed to providing the necessary financial support to developing countries for climate change mitigation and adaptation. This financing will be directed towards projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the negative impacts of climate change. The agreement seeks to increase climate financing by 2025 and provide additional funding for the period after 2030. Furthermore, this financing will be used for capacity building, technology transfer, and infrastructure development.

Technology Transfer

The Paris Agreement envisions the transfer of technology in areas such as clean energy technologies, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction technologies. Developed countries have committed to providing these technologies to developing countries. Technology transfer includes not only the transfer of technology products but also adapting these technologies to local conditions, capacity building, and training processes. It is crucial that technology transfer is supported not only by governments but also by the private sector and civil society organizations. This will allow for the rapid implementation of innovations, especially in areas such as renewable energy, energy storage, and energy efficiency.

International Emission Trading System

The Paris Agreement encourages the use of market-based mechanisms such as carbon trading. Article 6 of the agreement foresees the establishment of a mechanism for international emission trading. Through this mechanism, a country can purchase emission credits from another country to meet its emission reduction targets. This allows countries to reduce emissions at a lower cost. Emission trading helps reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by increasing cooperation, especially between developed and developing countries. The integration of emission trading systems and the alignment of carbon prices are essential.

Sustainable Development and Climate Justice

The Paris Agreement places great importance on sustainable development and climate justice. Developed countries should provide fair support to developing countries in the fight against climate change, which is especially critical for poor and vulnerable countries. The agreement ensures that these countries receive the financial and technological support necessary to become more resilient to the adverse effects of climate change and to continue their development. Developed countries should set an example by reducing their carbon footprints and leading efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The Paris Agreement recognizes that the fight against climate change is an issue of environmental, social, and economic justice.

National Contributions and Review Process

The Paris Agreement ensures that countries present their commitments to combat climate change through the "Nationally Determined Contributions" (NDCs). These contributions contain emission reduction targets tailored to each country's circumstances, capacity, and level of development. The agreement encourages countries to review their commitments every five years and set more ambitious goals. Countries are required to develop a transparent and accountable system to monitor and evaluate their commitments. The Conference of the Parties, which meets every five years, will review this process and revise the targets if necessary.

Global Impact of the Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement is seen as a significant step in the fight against climate change. The 1.5°C target was adopted, particularly at the request of small island countries and developing nations. This target will require the global economy, especially the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. However, current national commitments are projected to lead to a temperature rise of 2.7°C. Therefore, countries are expected to strengthen their emission targets every five years.

Provisions of the Agreement

• Article 1

This agreement adheres to the definitions set forth in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The parties agree to cooperate in the fight against climate change based on this agreement.

• Article 2

The agreement aims to limit global temperature increase to below 2°C and to strive for a 1.5°C limit, while strengthening global efforts to enhance low-emission development and resilience to climate change.

• Article 3

All parties will make efforts to define and implement their national contributions, with support provided to developing countries. Progress will be monitored to ensure continuous improvement.

• Article 4

The parties will aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve global balance in this regard. Support will be provided to developing countries to increase their contributions.

• Article 5

The parties should protect and enhance greenhouse gas sinks and reservoirs, and support developing countries in addressing issues such as deforestation.

• Article 6

Parties may transfer greenhouse gas reductions through voluntary cooperation. This cooperation will promote sustainable development and ensure environmental integrity.

• Article 7

Parties will set global goals for adaptation to climate change and support the adaptation efforts of developing countries. The need for adaptation actions is acknowledged.

• Article 8

Cooperation will be made to reduce losses and damages related to climate change. This includes early warning systems, risk insurance, and enhancing community resilience.

• Article 9

Developed countries will provide financial support to developing countries to support mitigation and adaptation actions.

• Article 10

Parties will cooperate on technology transfer and development. This includes the widespread dissemination of technologies effective in combating climate change.

• Article 11

Capacity-building efforts will be increased, particularly in developing countries, to ensure effective climate change mitigation. Parties agree to support these efforts.

• Article 12

Parties will collaborate to enhance climate change education, public awareness, and access to information.

• Article 13

Parties will create a framework for transparency of actions and support. Developing countries will benefit from flexibility in this process.

• Article 14

Parties will conduct a global stocktake to assess the implementation of the agreement every five years.

• Article 15

A mechanism will be established to facilitate transparency, support, and flexibility between parties, ensuring easier implementation of the agreement.

• Article 16

The Conference of the Parties will regularly review the implementation of the agreement and make necessary decisions.

• Article 17

The Secretariat will serve to monitor and organize the implementation of the agreement and coordinate with the Paris Agreement Conference of the Parties.

• Article 18

The Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation will perform their functions under this agreement, continuing similar roles within the Paris Agreement.

• Article 19

The Paris Agreement Conference of the Parties will make decisions on new subsidiary bodies and institutional arrangements to support the implementation of the agreement.

• Article 20

The agreement will be open for signature at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 2016 to 2017 and will be open for ratification thereafter.

• Article 21

The agreement will enter into force once 55 countries have ratified it, representing 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

• Article 22

Rules regarding amendments to the Convention will also apply to this agreement. Amendments may be incorporated as annexes to the agreement.

• Article 23

The annexes to the agreement are integral parts and may be subject to amendments. The annexes may include scientific, technical, or administrative information.

• Article 24

Rules for dispute resolution will also apply to this agreement. This process enables parties to resolve disputes.

• Article 25

Each party has one vote. Regional economic integration organizations will have votes equal to the number of member states.

• Article 26

The Secretary-General of the United Nations will serve as the depositary for this agreement and will collect the relevant documents.

• Article 27

No reservations may be made to this agreement. Parties must fully comply with the provisions of the agreement.

• Article 28

Parties may withdraw from the agreement by providing written notification three years after signing. Withdrawal will take effect one year after notification.

• Article 29

The agreement is drafted in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish, with equal validity in each language.

• Article 30

The agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, in Paris. It has been signed and accepted by the parties.