The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015 by 196 countries, is a landmark international agreement that aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with a goal of pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

But what exactly is the definition of climate change under the Paris Agreement?

According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), climate change is defined as “a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods.”

In simpler terms, climate change refers to the long-term changes in global weather patterns and temperature caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrialization.

The Paris Agreement recognizes the urgent need for action to address climate change and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It outlines a number of key goals and commitments, including:

– Holding the increase in global average temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

– Increasing the ability of countries to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience.

– Mobilizing financial resources to address climate change, including helping developing countries transition to low-carbon economies and adapt to the effects of climate change.

– Recognizing the importance of non-state actors, including cities, businesses, and civil society, in addressing climate change and promoting climate action.

The Paris Agreement also emphasizes the importance of transparency, with countries required to regularly report on their greenhouse gas emissions and progress towards their climate targets. The agreement is also designed to be flexible and adaptable, with countries able to update their climate targets over time as needed.

In conclusion, the Paris Agreement`s definition of climate change recognizes the critical importance of taking action to address the long-term changes in global weather patterns and temperature caused by human activity. By committing to the goals and targets outlined in the agreement, countries can work together to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.