All you need to know about the Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement is not just another bureaucratic document—it’s a bold and unprecedented global pact to tackle one of humanity’s greatest challenges: climate change. Adopted in December 2015 during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris, it unites nations under a common goal of limiting global warming to manageable levels. This agreement has become a cornerstone of international cooperation, holding nations accountable for their greenhouse gas emissions while emphasizing equity and shared responsibility.

What is the Paris Agreement?

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty signed by 196 countries. It was born out of years of negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The agreement officially came into force on November 4, 2016, after it was ratified by at least 55 countries, representing at least 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Its overarching goal is simple but ambitious: limit global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, while aiming to restrict it to 1.5°C. The science is clear—keeping temperatures within this range could significantly reduce the risks of catastrophic climate impacts, from rising sea levels to more extreme weather events.

How does the Paris Agreement work?

The Paris Agreement is structured around a few key mechanisms designed to encourage global collaboration:

1. Nationally determined contributions (NDCs)

Each participating country sets its own climate targets, known as NDCs. These outline the steps they’ll take to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts. 

The catch? These plans aren’t optional. Countries must update their NDCs every five years, with the expectation that each iteration will reflect greater ambition.

2. Enhanced transparency framework (ETF)

To ensure that everyone plays by the same rules, the Paris Agreement introduced the ETF. This system requires nations to report on their progress, detailing how close they are to meeting their targets.

3. Global stocktake

Every five years, a “global stocktake” measures collective progress toward the agreement’s goals. This comprehensive review provides an opportunity for countries to reassess their efforts and make bolder commitments.

4. Support for developing nations

Recognizing that developing countries often face the harshest impacts of climate change, the agreement emphasizes financial and technical support for these nations. Developed countries pledged to mobilize $100 billion annually by 2020 to assist with mitigation and adaptation efforts, a target that has now been extended and expanded.

Successes and challenges so far

Since its adoption, the Paris Agreement has inspired progress, even if the pace hasn’t been as swift as climate scientists recommend. Many nations have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century. The renewable energy sector has grown exponentially, and there’s increasing momentum around phasing out coal and other fossil fuels.

However, challenges remain. Current NDCs are insufficient to keep global warming below 1.5°C, and emissions continue to rise in some regions. Financial commitments to support vulnerable nations have also fallen short, highlighting persistent inequities in the global response to climate change.

Recent developments: Trump’s withdrawal

In January 2025, President Donald Trump initiated the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement for the second time, a move that has drawn widespread criticism both domestically and internationally. Trump’s decision comes as the world faces escalating climate crises, with 2024 marking the first year that global temperatures consistently breached the 1.5°C threshold.

This withdrawal is expected to undermine global efforts, as the U.S. is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases. Trump also reversed many climate-focused policies, signaling support for fossil fuel industries over renewable energy. Experts warn that this could discourage other nations from meeting their own commitments, potentially adding 0.3°C to global warming.

Despite this setback, many countries and organizations remain steadfast. European leaders, Canadian officials, and African negotiators have reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement, emphasizing its importance as a unifying global strategy.

There’s still hope

The Paris Agreement is far from perfect, but it represents the most comprehensive and inclusive effort to address climate change in human history. While challenges like inadequate commitments and political resistance persist, the agreement has created a framework for collective action that inspires hope. The stakes are high, and the path forward requires courage, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the planet for future generations.