Environmental activists gathered near the Eiffel Tower in Paris during the COP21 UN climate summit in December 2015, forming a human chain to advocate for “100% renewable” energy. This initiative followed the adoption of the Paris Agreement by nearly 200 countries, marking the first global effort to combat climate change. The agreement aimed to keep global warming “well below” 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, with a further target to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Fast forward a decade, and these nations are gearing up for the COP30 summit in Belem, Brazil, scheduled from November 10 to 21. Despite the commitments made in the Paris Agreement, greenhouse gas emissions and global temperatures have continued to rise significantly over the past ten years, reaching record highs.
A comparison of the climate scenario in 2015 versus today reveals a noticeable increase in global temperatures. The average global temperature has risen by 0.3 degrees Celsius since 2015. Current projections suggest a potential warming of 2.3 degrees Celsius by 2100 if countries fulfill their climate pledges.
The shift towards clean technologies has been evident, with the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and a surge in renewable energy generation. Renewable sources accounted for a larger share of global electricity production than coal in the first half of 2025, marking a significant milestone in the transition to cleaner energy.
The Paris Agreement has influenced policy changes worldwide, leading to the implementation of national regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices. Countries have introduced measures such as carbon pricing, zero-emission vehicle mandates, and net-zero emission goals in alignment with the agreement’s objectives.
Financial investments in green energy have surpassed $2 trillion USD in 2024, outpacing funding for fossil fuels. Additionally, developed nations have committed to supporting developing countries in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, though there have been fluctuations in climate finance disbursements over the years.
While progress has been made since the Paris Agreement, experts emphasize the need for greater efforts to meet the temperature goals set forth in the agreement. Calls for enhanced collaboration, stricter regulations, and sector-specific climate strategies are key to advancing global climate action and achieving a sustainable future.
