Environmental activists gathered near the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 2015 to emphasize the importance of renewable energy and climate action, coinciding with the adoption of the historic Paris Agreement. The agreement, signed by nearly 200 countries, marked the first global initiative aimed at combating climate change by limiting global warming to “well below” 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, with an aspiration to cap it at 1.5 degrees Celsius.
A decade later, these nations are set to convene for the COP30 United Nations climate summit in Belem, Brazil, from November 10 to 21. Despite the commitments made in the Paris Agreement, atmospheric greenhouse gas levels and global temperatures have continued to rise significantly over the past ten years, reaching record highs.
Looking back at the progress since the Paris Agreement, it’s evident that the world has witnessed changes in various aspects related to climate change. The average global temperature has increased by 0.38 degrees Celsius since 2015, with projections indicating a potential warming of 2.3 degrees Celsius by 2100 if current climate commitments are fulfilled.
This rise in temperatures could have severe implications, including a doubling of deadly hot days annually. The growth in clean energy technologies, such as electric vehicles and renewable power generation, has been notable. Renewables surpassed coal as a major source of electricity globally for the first time in 2025, marking a significant shift towards cleaner energy sources.
Moreover, the implementation of national policies influenced by the Paris Agreement has accelerated the adoption of low-carbon technologies and solutions. Countries like Canada have introduced measures such as carbon pricing and zero-emission vehicle targets as part of their climate action plans.
Despite these advancements, there is still a gap between the current progress and the targets set in the Paris Agreement. The need for increased investment in clean energy and mandatory climate actions is emphasized by experts. Additionally, there is a call for enhanced global cooperation and sector-specific strategies to drive meaningful climate progress in the future.
In conclusion, while the Paris Agreement has shown some positive impacts, there is a consensus among experts that more concerted efforts and innovative approaches are required to address the escalating challenges of climate change effectively.
