Ten Years On: how the Paris climate deal has shaped the planet

As the world marks the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, the progress in combating climate change is mixed.

While significant strides have been made in renewable energy and electric transport, global temperatures have reached record highs, and emissions continue to rise, putting the target of limiting global warming to well below two degrees Celsius—and ideally to 1.5°C—at serious risk.

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, was a landmark international commitment to curb the effects of climate change. Nearly every nation agreed to take action to limit global warming, reduce emissions quickly, and support countries already suffering the impacts of climate change. The goal was clear: prevent the worst effects of global warming by limiting the rise in temperatures to well below 2°C, and pursue efforts to keep the increase to 1.5°C.

Progress in Clean Energy and Electric Transport

Over the past decade, there have been notable advances in several key areas. One of the most significant achievements has been the rapid expansion of clean energy. Solar and wind power have become cheaper than fossil fuels in many parts of the world, and global investment in clean technologies has surged. The growth of renewable energy sources has played a crucial role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and is now seen as a viable alternative for countries looking to reduce their carbon footprints.

Electric transport has also seen faster progress than many analysts anticipated. In 2023, one in five new cars sold worldwide was electric. Electric school buses are now a common sight in the United States, while commuters in Kenya use electric motorcycle taxis, and Chinese manufacturers are building electric vehicles abroad. This shift to electric transport has significantly reduced oil demand, with analysts estimating that it has cut daily oil consumption by two million barrels.

The Lingering Emissions Challenge

Despite these positive developments, global emissions have continued to rise for most of the past decade, with only temporary reductions. This troubling trend means that the world is on track to miss the 1.5°C target, with current emissions trajectories pointing towards a rise of 2.7°C by the end of the century unless urgent and far-reaching policies are adopted.

The consequences of rising emissions are becoming more evident with each passing year. The past twelve months have been the hottest on record, and extreme weather events, including heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and storms, have caused widespread devastation in communities around the world. These events are not only a consequence of climate change but also a reminder of the urgent need to act to mitigate further damage.

The Oceanic Crisis and Coral Bleaching

The oceans are also showing the stark impacts of climate change. Coral bleaching events have become much more frequent, with two global bleaching events since 2015 that have severely impacted coral reefs. These reefs support a quarter of all marine species and provide food and income to millions of people globally. The ongoing bleaching of coral reefs is a significant threat to marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

A Global Assessment: Few Countries on Track

According to the latest assessments from the United Nations, only a small number of countries are on track to meet their current climate pledges. Unfortunately, even these countries are falling short of what scientists say is necessary to stabilize global temperatures. Current efforts are not enough to prevent catastrophic consequences, and much more ambitious and aggressive actions are required in the coming years.

As the world faces the reality of rising temperatures and worsening climate impacts, the urgency of stronger, more comprehensive climate policies cannot be overstated. The Paris Agreement was a significant step forward, but much more needs to be done to ensure a future where global temperatures are kept in check and the most vulnerable populations are protected.

Looking Ahead: A Critical Decade for Climate Action

The next decade will be critical in determining whether the world can stay on track to meet the climate goals set in Paris. Governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to accelerate the transition to clean energy, reduce emissions, and adapt to the inevitable changes that are already taking place. Only with bold, concerted action can the world hope to meet the Paris Agreement's targets and avoid the most devastating impacts of climate change.

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