What is the Paris Agreement ?

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that aims to fight against climate change by joining countries of the world together to work towards a collective goal. It began on November 4th, 2016, and replaced the Kyoto Protocol – with the new main goal being to reduce global levels of greenhouse gas emissions and the global surface temperature to below 2 degrees Celsius.

Having been first adopted back in December 2015 and now known as a landmark international treaty, the Paris Agreement now has almost-global participation from countries around the world.

The main goal of the Paris Agreement is to limit the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, while also making an effort to restrict warming to 1.5°C – which remains as the threshold scientists claim would significantly reduce the most severe climate impacts.

The Paris Agreement replaced the Kyoto Protocol, but with key differences:

• The Paris Agreement applies to all countries, not just developed ones.
• Each country sets their own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – otherwise known as climate action plans outlining emissions reduction targets and adaptation strategies.
• The Paris Agreement encourages greater transparency and progressive ambition, as countries are required to report their emissions on a regular basis and strengthen their commitments every five years.
  

Key features of the Paris Agreement

• Mitigation which includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy, efficiency, sustainable land use, and additional measures.
• Adaptation which refers to building resilience against the impacts of climate change – such as improved infrastructure to better protect regions from rising seas, droughts, and extreme weather.
• Finance which refers to developed countries seeking new ways to provide financial and technical support to developing nations to assist them in the transition to low-carbon economies and adapt to climate change.
• Global Stocktake a periodic review (every five years) of global progress toward the agreement’s goals.
  

Examples of the Paris Agreement in Practice

• The EU committed to cutting emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
• Smaller island nations focusing on their NDCs regarding coastal protection and renewable energy to address rising sea levels.
  

FAQ

Is the Paris Agreement legally binding?

While the procedural obligations of the Paris Agreement, such as reporting and updating NDCs are compulsory, the emissions targets themselves are developed and set by the nation itself and are not legally enforced.

How is the Paris Agreement different from the Kyoto Protocol?

The Kyoto Protocol only required binding targets for developed countries, whereas the Paris Agreement requires all countries to participate and continuously strengthen efforts in order to avoid exceeding 1.5°C.

Why is the 1.5°C goal important?

The 1.5°C goal is important as it would help to avoid increased risks to human health, food security, biodiversity, and vulnerable communities.

Can a country leave the Paris Agreement?

Yes, countries can withdraw from the Paris Agreement – such as how the U.S. withdrew in 2020, rejoined in 2021, and withdrew again in 2025.

How are countries held accountable?

Countries are held accountable through various transparency mechanisms and public reporting as opposed to more traditional legal penalties.