International Law

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns in Earth's atmosphere. While natural processes can cause climate change, human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrialization, are accelerating this process.

The greenhouse effect, in particular, causes gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) that accumulate in the atmosphere to trap heat from the sun, initiating a warming process known as global temperature increase. This process affects many natural systems, from ocean currents to precipitation patterns, leading to significant changes in extreme weather events. The environmental disasters resulting from these extreme changes are referred to as the “climate crisis” to emphasize their impact.

Among the environmental consequences of the climate crisis are increased greenhouse gas emissions, intensified natural disasters, endangered food security, and consequently, the emergence of hunger and water crises. However, the climate crisis has affected not only the environment but also countries' policies, international agreements, and international law. One of the most important examples of this is the Paris Agreement.

Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement, held in 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference It is an international environmental agreement adopted within the framework of (COP21) and signed in Paris, the capital of France. Its main objective is to keep the global temperature increase well below 2°C compared to the pre-industrial period and, if possible, to limit it to 1.5°C.

The agreement entered into force in 2016 and has been ratified by 191 countries as of March 2021. Over time, its content and implementation mechanisms have been developed. In addition to temperature targets:

such purposes are also included in its scope.

One of the most important mechanisms of the agreement is that countries Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) It is the sun's responsibility. Countries set their own emission reduction targets taking into account their current emission levels, economic capacity, and development levels.

Fundamental Principles in Setting National Goals

Scientific Basis

Goals should be determined in line with scientific data and recommendations from climate experts.

Transparency

Commitments must be announced to the public in a clear and understandable manner.

Progress Reports

Regular reporting should be done in the process of achieving the set goals.

The Limits of the Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement is an important step, but it has some limitations.

Binding Problem

Countries have an obligation to submit their NDCs, but the emission reduction targets set are not legally binding.

Insufficient Goals

Current national commitments are not generally sufficient to achieve the 1.5°C target.

Funding Shortfalls

Climate finance that developed countries have pledged to provide to developing countries is often insufficient.

Application Challenges

Political changes, economic crises and national priorities can complicate the implementation of climate policies

The Importance of International Cooperation

Because climate change is a global problem, international cooperation is of great importance. Countries

In conclusion, achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement will require the contributions not only of states but also of individuals, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Combating the climate crisis is a multi-layered and collective responsibility.