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Paris Agreement Progress So Far: A Review of Global Efforts to Address Climate Change
The Paris Agreement, adopted by 195 countries in December 2015, aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement also seeks to enhance the ability of countries to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and to foster sustainable development. As the world marks the sixth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, how much progress has been made towards its goals? Here are some key indicators and trends.
Greenhouse gas emissions: The main driver of climate change is the build-up of heat-trapping gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide, in the atmosphere. To reduce these emissions, countries are expected to submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) that outline their targets, policies, and actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. As of October 2021, 23 countries, including the European Union and the United Kingdom, have submitted updated NDCs that reflect stronger targets and actions than their previous ones. However, most of the pledges fall short of what is needed to achieve the Paris Agreement goals, and some major emitters, such as the United States, China, and India, have yet to submit their updated NDCs.
Renewable energy: One of the ways to reduce emissions is to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the world added a record 280 gigawatts (GW) of renewable capacity in 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. This represents an increase of 45% compared to 2019 and the largest annual increase ever. However, renewable energy still accounts for only about one-fifth of the global electricity generation, and some countries, especially in Africa and Asia, lag behind in access to clean energy.
Climate finance: Another key element of the Paris Agreement is the provision of financial resources, technology transfer, and capacity-building to support climate actions in developing countries and vulnerable communities. The developed countries have pledged to mobilize $100 billion per year by 2020 and to increase the amount thereafter. However, the latest report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that only about $79.6 billion was mobilized in 2019, and the COVID-19 crisis has further strained the budgets and priorities of many countries. The lack of adequate and predictable funding can hinder the implementation of NDCs and the adaptation measures needed to cope with the impacts of climate change.
Climate impacts: Despite the efforts to reduce emissions and enhance resilience, the effects of climate change continue to be felt around the world. The past decade was the hottest on record, and extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, floods, and wildfires, have become more frequent and severe. The latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that the world is on track to surpass the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold by the 2040s, with dire consequences for ecosystems, human health, and global security. The report also highlights the role of human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, in driving the climate crisis and the need for urgent and ambitious action at all levels.
Conclusion: The Paris Agreement represents a historic and ambitious framework for tackling the complex and global challenge of climate change. While some progress has been made towards its goals, the overall trend is still insufficient and uneven. The upcoming COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, will be a crucial moment for countries to raise their ambition, accelerate their actions, and demonstrate solidarity and leadership in the face of the climate emergency. As individuals, we can also contribute to the Paris Agreement by choosing sustainable lifestyles, advocating for climate justice, and holding our elected officials accountable for their climate policies. Our future depends on it.
