At COP 21 on December 12, 2015, countries adopted the Paris Agreement to fight climate change. This agreement established carbon offset mechanisms. These help countries achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for lowering greenhouse gas emissions and aim to limit global warming to 1.5-2°C.
The Paris Agreement’s carbon offsets aimed to create a more flexible and cost-effective way for nations to meet their climate targets. By supporting projects that preserve forests or promote renewable energy sources, countries could balance their carbon footprints. This mechanism fostered international cooperation, as nations could collaborate on projects that benefit both the environment and local communities.
While the carbon offsets promoted sustainability, challenges remained in measurement and verification. Ensuring that these projects deliver real, measurable benefits is crucial for the agreement’s success.
As the impact of the Paris Agreement unfolds, understanding its long-term effects on global emissions and international climate policy will become increasingly important. The next phase will delve deeper into these effects, exploring how these offsets shape future climate action.
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