Environmental activists formed a human chain symbolizing the peace sign and spelling out “100% renewable” near the Eiffel Tower during the COP21 UN climate summit in Paris on December 6, 2015. This event marked the signing of the landmark Paris Agreement by nearly 200 nations, representing the world’s first global commitment to combat climate change.
Fast forward a decade, and the same countries will convene in Belem, Brazil, from November 10 to 21 for this year’s annual United Nations climate summit, COP30. Despite the agreement in 2015, atmospheric greenhouse gas levels and global temperatures have continued to rise significantly over the past ten years, reaching record-breaking levels.
Looking back at the climate scenario since the Paris Agreement, the average global temperature has increased by 0.3 degrees Celsius in the last decade alone. The 2025 UN Emissions Gap Report indicates that the world is currently heading towards a 2.3-degree Celsius warming by 2100 if countries fulfill their climate commitments.
The impact of this warming trend is concerning, with projections indicating a doubling of potentially lethal hot days annually on a global scale. The growth in renewable power generation has been a notable development, with renewables surpassing coal as a primary source of electricity globally for the first time in early 2025.
Furthermore, the Paris Agreement has spurred changes in national policies worldwide, accelerating the adoption of low-carbon technologies and solutions. Despite progress, challenges remain in meeting the agreement’s ambitious goals. Investment in green energy has surged, surpassing $2 trillion US in 2024, outpacing fossil fuel investments.
While the Paris Agreement has made strides in climate action, there is a consensus that more concerted efforts are needed to achieve its targets. Suggestions include revising global trade rules, making climate actions mandatory, and focusing on sector-specific climate progress. Adaptation and mitigation efforts must be scaled up to bridge the gap between current trends and the Agreement’s objectives.