The Paris Climate Agreement represents a historic turning point in international climate policy. It was adopted by 195 countries in 2015 to limit global climate change and strengthen countries' resilience to the already tangible effects of the climate crisis. Read all about the most important goals of the Paris Agreement, the challenges involved in its implementation and an initial assessment of the agreement from the Table.Briefings editorial team. What does the Paris Climate Agreement say? The Paris Climate Agreement pursues the main goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels and, if possible, to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This goal is based on scientific findings that show that even a warming of more than 1.5 degrees would have serious consequences for the environment, the economy and society. In order to achieve this goal, the agreement contains the following key commitments: Is the Paris Climate Agreement legally binding? Within the current climate debate, the question of whether the Paris Climate Agreement is legally binding is of central importance. Which countries have not signed the Paris Climate Agreement? The Paris Climate Agreement has been signed by 196 countries and the European Union, 189 of which have ratified the agreement. Only a few countries have not yet signed up. The withdrawal of the USA under Donald Trump's administration in 2020 and again in 2025 is problematic from an international perspective, as the USA is one of the countries with the highest emissions of greenhouse gases in the world. What is the difference between the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Climate Agreement? The Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol are both important agreements in international climate protection, but they differ in several aspects: Paris Climate Agreement: Goals and balance of the agreement The Paris Climate Agreement has defined clear goals to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, ideally to 1.5 degrees. To achieve this goal, decisive and coordinated action is required at international level. Progress Shortcomings and challenges Despite the progress made, the Paris Climate Agreement has a sobering outcome. The Paris Climate Agreement has advanced climate protection worldwide, but the current measures are not yet sufficient to achieve the desired goals. The targets set out in the Paris Climate Agreement provide a clear framework for action, but meeting these targets is a major challenge. The climate crisis requires decisive and coordinated action at international level to ensure a climate-friendly and resilient future. The coming years will be crucial in setting the course for sustainable development.
Say au revoir to Paris!
The US is once again withdrawing from the Paris Agreement. I witnessed firsthand how misguided that decision is, long before Donald Trump.
By Bernhard Pötter