Name one major global environmental agreement aimed at combating climate change.

The Paris Agreement is a significant global environmental agreement specifically designed to address climate change. Adopted in 2015, it aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with a target of limiting the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius if possible. The agreement emphasizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing adaptive capacities, and promoting resilience to climate impacts.

One of the key aspects of the Paris Agreement is the participation of all countries, not just developed nations. Each country sets its own nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and is encouraged to increase ambition over time. This flexibility allows nations to tailor their commitments based on their specific circumstances while still contributing to the global goal of mitigating climate change. The agreement also incorporates mechanisms for accountability and transparency, aiming for a collaborative approach to climate action.

In contrast, other agreements mentioned, while important, focus on different aspects of environmental issues. The Kyoto Protocol primarily established legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries, the Montreal Protocol was centered around the protection of the ozone layer by phasing out substances that deplete it, and the Rio Declaration addressed sustainable development and environmental principles but did not specifically target climate change.