What is the Paris Climate Agreement?

• A. A military alliance treaty between Western nations
• B. A regional agreement on water management in Europe
• C. An international agreement on information technology standards
• D. A treaty within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change dealing with greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, adaptation and finance starting in the year 2020

Answer: (D)

The Paris Climate Agreement is a global treaty negotiated under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change that focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation), helping countries adapt to climate impacts (adaptation), and providing financial support to carry out these efforts (finance). It brings in most countries to submit nationally determined plans and update them every five years, aiming to increase ambition over time, with implementation framed around actions starting around 2020. This makes it a worldwide climate governance framework, not a military alliance, a regional water-management pact, or an information technology standards agreement.