The Paris Agreement on Climate Change: What KS2 Students Need to Know
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and it is essential that children are educated on the subject so that they can be informed citizens of the future. The Paris Agreement on Climate Change is a crucial international agreement that aims to limit global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and ideally to 1.5°C. In this article, we will explain what the Paris Agreement is, why it matters, and what KS2 students should know about it.
What is the Paris Agreement?
The Paris Agreement is an international agreement that was adopted at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris in 2015. It is a legally binding agreement that aims to tackle climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Paris Agreement builds on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which was adopted in 1992, and is the first-ever universal, legally binding agreement on climate change.
Why does the Paris Agreement matter?
Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing the world today, and it poses a threat to the health, safety, and prosperity of people and the planet. The Paris Agreement is essential because it provides a framework for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and ideally to 1.5°C. The Paris Agreement represents a historic achievement in the fight against climate change, as it brings together nations from all over the world to work towards a common goal.
What do KS2 students need to know about the Paris Agreement?
KS2 students should understand that the Paris Agreement is a global agreement that aims to tackle climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change. They should know that the Paris Agreement is legally binding and that it aims to limit global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and ideally to 1.5°C. They should also know that the Paris Agreement builds on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and that it represents a historic achievement in the fight against climate change.
KS2 students should also be aware of the steps that countries are taking to implement the Paris Agreement. They should understand that countries are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the use of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and supporting efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change. They should also know that individuals can take action to reduce their carbon footprint and support efforts to tackle climate change.
In conclusion, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change is a crucial international agreement that KS2 students should be aware of. It is essential that children are educated on the subject so that they can become informed citizens of the future who are committed to protecting the planet. By understanding what the Paris Agreement is, why it matters, and what steps are being taken to implement it, KS2 students can play their part in tackling one of the biggest challenges facing the world today.