As I stood on the sun-kissed shores of Kiribati, a tiny island nation in the Pacific, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the majestic beauty of the turquoise lagoon stretching out before me. But beneath the tranquil surface, I sensed a growing unease. The I-Kiribati people, descendants of the same Polynesian settlers who first arrived on these shores over 1,000 years ago, are facing an existential threat. Rising sea levels, fueled by climate change, are slowly but surely claiming their land, their homes, and their very way of life.
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I met a young woman named Tiare, who had grown up watching her family’s village slip further and further into the ocean. Her eyes told the story of a deep sadness, but also of a fierce determination to fight for her people’s future. “We’ve seen the ice caps melting, the coral bleaching, and the storms intensifying,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “But we’re not just victims of climate change – we’re also its biggest advocates. We’re leading the charge to reduce our carbon footprint, to invest in renewable energy, and to protect our ocean’s bounty.”
Tiare’s words echoed the sentiments of millions of people worldwide, who are driving the momentum behind the Paris Climate Agreement. Since its adoption in 2015, this landmark accord has been instrumental in rallying governments, businesses, and civil society to work together towards a common goal: limiting global warming to well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
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So, what progress has been made since the Paris Agreement was signed? Let’s take a closer look.
A Global Response to a Global Problem
The Paris Agreement has inspired a level of international cooperation unprecedented in the history of climate negotiations. As of 2022, 196 countries have ratified or acceded to the agreement, representing more than 95% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement’s implementation guidelines, adopted in 2018, provide a clear framework for countries to report on their progress, increase their ambition, and support vulnerable nations in their climate resilience efforts.
Renewable Energy on the Rise
One of the most significant achievements of the Paris Agreement has been the rapid growth of renewable energy sources. In 2020, renewables accounted for 36% of global electricity generation, up from just 22% in 2010. Solar and wind power have become increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels, driving investment and innovation in clean energy technologies.
Climate Finance on the Move
The Paris Agreement has also led to a significant increase in climate finance flows. In 2020, developed countries pledged to mobilize $100 billion per year in climate finance for developing countries by 2020 – a target that, although still unmet, has helped to catalyze a wave of private sector investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and clean energy projects.
Still a Long Way to Go
While the progress made since the Paris Agreement is undeniable, there is no room for complacency. The science tells us that we have just over a decade to take drastic action to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the urgent need for climate action to build more resilient and sustainable economies.
As I left Kiribati, I knew that Tiare and her community would continue to face immense challenges in the years ahead. But I also knew that their courage and determination had inspired a global movement, one that is driving real progress towards a climate-resilient future. The Paris Climate Agreement may have been signed years ago, but its impact will be felt for generations to come.
