What exactly is the Paris Agreement and why is it so important? We examine the Agreement and its place in global climate action history.

What is the Paris Agreement?

It is a legally binding treaty adopted by 196 countries at the climate change conference in Paris in 2015 (known as COP 21). The main goal of the agreement is to cut global greenhouse gases in order to limit global temperature increases as close as possible to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Of course, this is just one part of the Agreement, with other agreed measures focusing on adaptation, education, financing, technological cooperation, and recognizing the role climate action plays in reaching many other Sustainable Development Goals.

How will countries do this?

Before Paris, 186 countries submitted carbon reduction targets (known as “intended nationally determined contributions,” or INDCs), which outlined how each country would cut its carbon emissions. Once those countries joined the Paris Agreement, those INDCs became NDCs (nationally determined contributions). There is no one-size-fits-all approach for the NDCs, and different countries are taking climate action in different ways, from investing in renewable energy to introducing carbon taxes. The NDCs are to be updated every five years by Parties to the Agreement, and each new iteration is expected be more ambitious than the previous one.

Why is it important?

As the then Secretary General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon said: “The Paris Agreement provides a viable blueprint to mitigate the serious threats to our planet. It sets clear targets to restrict rising temperatures, limit greenhouse gas emissions, and facilitate climate-resilient development and green growth.” While the term ‘landmark’ is overused, this really was a historic landmark agreement: one that saw virtually every country in the world agree to take real, enforceable action to combat climate change. The fact that all countries, including all major emitters, agreed to reduce their emissions was a huge step forward. Another important aspect of the Paris Agreement is that, for the first time, non-Party stakeholders (everyone from businesses to regions and civil society) were invited to start contributing towards climate action.

Are all countries treated the same?

The agreement adheres to the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” which means that while there’s a duty on all countries to take climate action, the types of action they take will depend on their differing national circumstances. The flexibility inherent in the Agreement has meant that so far some countries have pledged to cut their net climate emissions to zero by 2050, while other countries have set other goals. The Agreement also reaffirms that developed countries should take the lead in providing financial assistance to developing countries, so they can take adequate measures to fight climate change, including investing in adaptation measures.

How is progress being measured?

An Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) has been established, and from 2024, countries will report transparently on the actions they have taken to mitigate against climate change, as well as the support they have provided and received. The information published on the ETF will be fed into a Global stocktake, which will assess collective progress towards long-term climate goals.

Has it worked?

The Paris Agreement has put climate change – and the need for countries around the world to tackle it – in the public eye and has led to a rapid increase in efforts to reduce emissions. In order to succeed, countries – as well as individuals, businesses, and NGOs – need to wean themselves off fossil fuels, revamp how we produce food, how we travel and how we work. Each year, we see more and more countries, regions, cities and companies establish carbon neutrality targets. While things might not be moving forward as quickly as is needed, there is progress, and that at least is a cause for optimism.

What I can do to help?

Great question! You can see if your city or region is registered on the Global Climate Action Portal and what they have pledged to do. If your city or region is not represented, why not contact your political representatives and ask them what they are doing in terms of climate action? Another important step is changing your own behaviour, particularly in terms of what you consume. Shop locally where possible, and choose brands that display a ‘carbon footprint’ on their packaging. Consumer behaviour is a huge driver of change, and when we make climate-friendly decisions, it forces brands to do the same. Another vital step is figuring out your own carbon emissions and how to reduce them (you can find out how to do that here). Taking climate action is really not that difficult, whether it’s walking to work or choosing the vegetarian option at your local restaurant. Remember too, that it’s in all of our interests to combat climate change, and that every positive action you take helps protect not just our planet, but you, your friends and your family as well.