The Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework are two major international agreements that address two separate but interconnected global issues: climate change and disaster risk reduction. At first glance, these agreements may seem unrelated, but there is actually a significant amount of common ground between the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework.

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius. It also sets out a framework for countries to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

The Sendai Framework, adopted in 2015 as well, focuses on reducing disaster risk and strengthening resilience in the face of natural hazards. It aims to achieve this through a range of actions, including improving early warning systems, promoting better land use planning, investing in infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters, and ensuring that communities are involved in decision-making processes.

So, where is the common ground between these two agreements?

One of the most obvious areas of overlap is in the recognition of the importance of sustainability. The Paris Agreement recognizes „the intrinsic relationship between climate change, poverty eradication, and sustainable development“ and emphasizes the need to integrate climate change into broader development efforts. The Sendai Framework similarly recognizes that reducing disaster risk is essential for sustainable development.

Both agreements also recognize the importance of addressing social, economic, and environmental issues in an integrated manner. The Paris Agreement emphasizes the need to take a holistic approach to climate change, considering both mitigation and adaptation measures, while also recognizing the importance of social and economic aspects. The Sendai Framework similarly calls for an integrated approach that takes into account social, economic, and environmental factors.

Another area of common ground is the emphasis on the importance of collaboration and partnership. The Paris Agreement recognizes the need for countries to work together to achieve its goals, while the Sendai Framework emphasizes the importance of partnerships between governments, civil society, and the private sector.

Finally, both agreements highlight the importance of science in informing decision-making. The Paris Agreement recognizes that „the ability to respond to climate change requires a sound knowledge base“ and calls for enhanced scientific cooperation. The Sendai Framework similarly recognizes that science and technology are essential for reducing disaster risk and promoting resilience.

In conclusion, while the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework are two separate agreements focused on different issues, there is significant common ground between them. Both agreements recognize the importance of sustainability, the need for an integrated approach that takes into account social, economic, and environmental factors, the importance of collaboration and partnership, and the role of science in informing decision-making. By working together to achieve the goals of these agreements, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for all.