Part II Analysis of the Provisions of the Agreement, 20 Facilitating Implementation and Promoting Compliance (Article 15)

Subject(s):

Climate change — Treaties, amendments and modification — Treaties, application — Treaties, interpretation

This chapter describes how Article 15 of the Paris Agreement develops an effective mechanism to facilitate implementation and promote compliance. This mechanism consists of an expert-based committee, and the chapter discusses the duties and provisions particular to it. The inclusion of such a mechanism in a multilateral environmental agreement (MEA) like the Paris Agreement fulfils important functions. In particular, it can enhance implementation and support greater cooperation by: contributing to and maintaining trust among Parties, addressing capacity problems and clarifying ambiguities, and preventing ‘freeriding’ by promoting compliance with agreed obligations or norms. Furthermore, by including this mechanism the Parties have signalled the seriousness with which they intend to implement their obligations under the Agreement.