The Paris Agreement, also known as the Paris Climate Accord, is an international treaty aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. It was adopted by all 196 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) member states in December 2015, and came into force in November 2016. The agreement has since become a crucial tool in the fight against climate change.

The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. This is achieved through a range of measures, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, increased investment in clean energy technologies, and the promotion of sustainable practices.

As of 2021, there are 191 countries that are parties to the Paris Agreement. This includes all UNFCCC member states, as well as the Cook Islands, Niue, and the European Union. The United States, which was one of the main architects of the Paris Agreement, withdrew from the treaty in 2020 under the Trump administration. However, President Joe Biden has since rejoined the agreement, making the United States once again a party to the treaty.

Some of the key countries involved in the Paris Agreement include China, the United States, India, and the European Union. Together, these countries account for a significant proportion of global greenhouse gas emissions. Other major emitters include Russia, Japan, Brazil, and Australia.

Under the Paris Agreement, each country is required to submit a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), outlining their plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These commitments are reviewed every five years, with the aim of increasing ambition over time. The Paris Agreement also establishes a global goal for adaptation to climate change, and provides support for developing countries to transition to a low-carbon economy.

Overall, the Paris Agreement is a critical tool in the fight against climate change. By bringing together countries from around the world to tackle this global issue, the agreement represents a significant step forward in the effort to create a more sustainable and resilient future for all.