The ink was barely dry on the Paris Agreement when the question on everyone’s mind was: can we really do this? Can the world’s leading countries come together to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change? Four years on, it’s time to take stock of the progress made under the climate treaty and whether the promises made in 2015 are being kept.
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One of the most significant developments since Paris has been the rapid growth of renewable energy. Solar and wind power have become increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels, driving a surge in adoption across the globe. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy accounted for 26% of global electricity generation in 2020, up from 21% in 2015. This is a major step forward, but it’s still a long way from the 50% target set by the IEA for 2025.
Another area where progress has been made is in reducing carbon emissions from deforestation and land degradation. The UN’s Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) program has helped to protect millions of hectares of forest, while initiatives like the Trillion Trees campaign aim to plant and restore billions more. While the impact of these efforts is still being measured, they offer a promising way to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and support biodiversity.
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However, despite these advances, the overall pace of climate action remains too slow. Emissions continue to rise, and the world is not on track to meet the Paris Agreement’s temperature goals. The latest IPCC report warns that we have just over a decade to take drastic action to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, yet the current pace of progress suggests we’ll fall short.
One reason for the slow pace is the lack of ambition from some of the world’s largest emitters. The US, for example, withdrew from the Paris Agreement under President Trump, and only rejoined under President Biden after he took office. China, the world’s largest emitter, has made significant progress in reducing its carbon intensity, but its overall emissions continue to rise. Meanwhile, countries like Australia and Brazil have rolled back climate policies, undermining progress made in previous years.
So what can be done to keep the climate promises made in Paris? One answer lies in increased financing for climate action. The Green Climate Fund, established to help developing countries transition to a low-carbon economy, has been slow to disburse funds. The EU has pledged to increase its climate finance commitments, but more needs to be done to mobilize the trillions of dollars needed to support climate action.
Another key factor is the need for greater international cooperation. Climate change is a global problem that requires a global response. The Paris Agreement’s strength lies in its ability to bring countries together to address a shared challenge. However, the lack of ambition from some countries threatens to undermine the entire agreement.
As the world looks to the next major climate conference, COP26, in Glasgow in 2021, the question remains: can we keep our climate promises? The answer will depend on the actions taken by governments, businesses, and civil society in the coming months. It’s time to step up the pace of climate action and ensure that the world’s leading powers keep their promises to limit global warming and avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change. The clock is ticking – and the world is watching.
