Results of the Paris Climate Agreement

The Paris Climate Agreement, signed in 2015, marked a historic moment in the global effort to combat climate change. The treaty, adopted by 195 countries, aimed to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Now, five years later, what are the results of the Paris Climate Agreement?

First and foremost, the Paris Agreement has spurred action by countries around the world to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. As of 2019, 189 countries have submitted climate pledges, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs), outlining their plans to reduce emissions. These NDCs are reviewed every five years, with the first round of reviews set to take place in 2020.

While the NDCs are voluntary, they represent a significant step forward in global cooperation to address climate change. The fact that so many countries have committed to reducing emissions is a clear sign that the Paris Agreement has created momentum for action on climate change.

In addition to the NDCs, the Paris Agreement has also prompted increased investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency. In 2018, global investment in renewable energy reached a record $288.9 billion, up 9% from the previous year.

Furthermore, the Paris Agreement has helped to raise public awareness about the urgent need to address climate change. The agreement has brought together governments, businesses, and civil society to work together to tackle this global challenge.

However, despite these positive outcomes, the world is still not on track to limit global warming to the levels set out in the Paris Agreement. In fact, according to the United Nations, current NDCs are only expected to limit warming to 3 degrees Celsius or more.

To achieve the Paris Agreement`s goals, more ambitious action is needed. This includes increasing the use of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and reducing the use of fossil fuels. It also requires greater cooperation between countries to ensure that everyone is doing their part.

In conclusion, while the Paris Climate Agreement has spurred action on climate change, much more needs to be done to limit global warming to safe levels. The next few years will be critical in determining whether we are successful in achieving the Paris Agreement`s goals, and it will require the collective effort of governments, businesses, and individuals around the world to make it happen.