The Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty on climate change adopted on December 12, 2015, during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris, France. It entered into force on November 4, 2016.

Let us try to understand the detailed breakdown of the Paris Agreement (2015)—its goals, mechanisms, and impact.

1. Background & Context:

Before the Paris Agreement, global efforts to combat climate change were primarily guided by the Kyoto Protocol (1997). However, Kyoto only required developed countries to reduce emissions, leaving out developing nations like China and India. Recognizing the need for global participation, world leaders negotiated a new framework at COP21 in Paris.

On December 12, 2015, 196 countries adopted the Paris Agreement, marking a historic commitment to tackle climate change collectively.

2. Main Objectives

 The agreement focuses on three primary goals:

a)    Temperature Limitation

• Keep the global temperature rise well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
• Strive to limit warming to 1.5°C, as it significantly reduces climate-related risks.

b) Climate Adaptation

• Enhance the ability of countries to deal with climate change impacts (e.g., extreme weather events, rising sea levels).
• Strengthen climate resilience, particularly for vulnerable countries.

c) Financial and Technological Support

• Developed countries should provide $100 billion per year to help developing nations transition to cleaner energy and adapt to climate change.
• Encourage investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate adaptation projects.

3. Core Mechanisms

The Paris Agreement introduced several key mechanisms to achieve its goals:

a) Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

• Each country sets its own voluntary climate targets known as NDCs.
• Countries must submit updated NDCs every five years, with increasingly ambitious targets.
• These commitments are legally required to be submitted but not legally enforceable if a country fails to meet them.

b) Global Stocktake (Every 5 Years)

• A periodic review mechanism to assess global progress toward meeting climate goals.
• Helps countries adjust and strengthen their commitments.

c) Transparency & Accountability

• Countries are required to report on their emissions and climate actions through a standardized system.
• A technical expert review process ensures accurate reporting.

d) Carbon Markets & Climate Finance

• The agreement promotes carbon trading, allowing countries to buy and sell emissions reductions.
• Financial aid and technology transfer mechanisms help developing nations meet their climate goals.

4. Participation & Major Players

Nearly every country in the world signed the Paris Agreement, making it the most inclusive climate treaty ever.

• United States: Initially signed under Obama, but withdrew under Trump in 2020. Rejoined under Biden in 2021.
• China & India: Major developing economies committed to reducing emissions but seek financial and technological support.
• European Union: Strong supporter with ambitious emissions reduction targets.
• Small Island Nations: Advocate for more aggressive action, as they are highly vulnerable to rising sea levels.

5. Challenges & Criticism

Despite its success, the Paris Agreement faces several challenges:

a) Insufficient Commitments

• Many NDCs are not strong enough to keep warming below 1.5°C.
• Some countries, including major polluters, have weak or vague targets.

b) Lack of Legal Enforcement

• The agreement does not impose penalties for failing to meet targets.
• Success relies on political will and public pressure.

c) Climate Finance Gaps

• Developed nations have struggled to deliver the promised $100 billion per year.
• Many developing countries lack access to clean technology due to funding barriers.

d) Political Instability      

• Changes in government policies can impact climate commitments.
• Example: The U.S. withdrew under Trump, causing uncertainty in global climate leadership.

6. Current Status & Future Outlook

• COP26 (2021, Glasgow) emphasized stronger NDCs and pushed for phasing out coal and fossil fuel subsidies.
• COP28 (2023, UAE) focused on accelerating renewable energy adoption and strengthening financial support for developing nations.
• Countries are expected to update their NDCs in 2025, with increased ambitions.

Scientists warn that current commitments still put the world on track for a 2.4–2.7°C rise by 2100, far above the 1.5°C goal. Stronger action is needed to avoid severe climate consequences.

Conclusion

The Paris Agreement is a landmark global effort, but its success depends on continuous ambition, financial commitments, and political cooperation. While it has mobilized international climate action, more aggressive measures are required to stay on track.