What is the primary purpose of 'global stocktake' in the Paris Agreement?

The primary purpose of the 'global stocktake' in the Paris Agreement is to periodically assess collective progress towards achieving the agreement's long-term goals, including limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Paris Agreement is an international agreement adopted in 2015 that aims to address climate change. The global stocktake is a key element of the Paris Agreement's framework for enhancing ambition over time. It involves a comprehensive assessment of the overall progress made by countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the impacts of climate change, and providing financial support to developing countries. The global stocktake takes place every five years, with the first stocktake completed in 2023. The results of the global stocktake are intended to inform countries in preparing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are national climate action plans that outline each country's emission reduction targets and strategies. The global stocktake aims to identify gaps in progress and opportunities for enhancing action, thereby promoting a ratcheting-up of ambition over time. It also provides an opportunity to assess the adequacy of financial, technological, and capacity-building support provided to developing countries. By providing a clear picture of where the world stands in relation to its climate goals, the global stocktake serves as a crucial mechanism for driving greater climate action and ensuring that the Paris Agreement's objectives are met.