Paris Agreement’s Decade of Climate Action Progress

The world marks ten years since the Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21 in 2015. Despite ongoing challenges, this global pact has altered the climate change trajectory. Emissions and temperatures still rise, but the worst forecasts have been moderated. The Agreement’s impact is visible in energy transitions, international cooperation, and emerging climate policies.

Global Climate Context in 2025

Ten years ago, the planet faced a potential 4°C to 5°C temperature rise by century’s end. Today, thanks to collective commitments, this is limited to about 2°C to 3°C. This remains above safe limits, but shows that global cooperation can alter climate futures. Climate impacts are already severe, seen in extreme weather events in India and worldwide.

Paris Agreement’s Structure and Fairness

The Agreement respects national differences and promotes fairness. It allows countries to set their own emission targets based on their capabilities and circumstances. This flexibility encourages participation and international solidarity, especially with vulnerable nations hardest hit by climate change.

Energy Transition and Economic Shifts

The decade saw a shift from fossil fuels to renewables. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind and hydro now lead economic growth and job creation. Electric vehicles have surged to nearly 20% of new car sales globally, driven by advances in battery and storage technology. This transition enhances energy security and reduces urban pollution.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA)

The ISA exemplifies successful climate multilateralism. Launched by India and France, it now includes over 120 countries. The alliance supports solar energy deployment through capacity building, finance and training. India leads with over half of its electricity capacity from non-fossil sources, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070 and a low-carbon economy by 2047.

Key Priorities at COP30, 2025

COP30 brought into light five priorities – raising global ambition for faster emissions cuts; ensuring a just transition centred on vulnerable groups; protecting natural carbon sinks like forests and oceans; empowering local governments, businesses and citizens; and defending science against misinformation. These guide future climate efforts worldwide.

Unstoppable Climate Transformation

The shift towards sustainability is irreversible. Adaptation is now essential. Industries invest in green technologies. Local authorities embed sustainability in policies. Despite challenges, multilateralism remains key to climate progress. The global community’s belief in cooperation sustains momentum towards a safer, greener future.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss in the light of global climate agreements how international cooperation influences national climate policies and economic transitions.
2. Critically examine the role of renewable energy in achieving energy security and economic growth in developing countries with examples.
3. Explain the importance of protecting natural carbon sinks and how they contribute to climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges and opportunities of ensuring a just and inclusive transition in the global shift towards low-carbon economies.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss in the light of global climate agreements how international cooperation influences national climate policies and economic transitions.

1. Global agreements like the Paris Agreement set common targets, encouraging countries to align national policies with global climate goals.
2. International cooperation encourages technology transfer, financial support, and capacity building, enabling developing countries to adopt cleaner technologies.
3. Multilateralism promotes differentiated responsibilities, allowing countries to commit based on their capacities and circumstances.
4. Collaborative platforms (e.g., International Solar Alliance) enable joint initiatives boosting renewable energy deployment and innovation.
5. Global cooperation creates market confidence, attracting investments in green industries and accelerating economic transitions.
6. Shared scientific assessments (e.g., IPCC) guide evidence-based policymaking and combat misinformation globally.

2. Critically examine the role of renewable energy in achieving energy security and economic growth in developing countries with examples.

1. Renewables reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing national energy sovereignty and security.
2. Technological advances and cost reductions in solar, wind, and hydro have made renewables the most competitive energy sources globally.
3. Renewable energy sectors generate employment and stimulate economic growth, especially in rural and underdeveloped regions.
4. India’s achievement of 50% installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources ahead of schedule exemplifies renewable-driven growth.
5. Electric mobility growth reduces urban pollution and fossil fuel consumption, contributing to sustainable urban development.
6. Challenges include intermittency, infrastructure needs, and financing, requiring international support and innovation.

3. Explain the importance of protecting natural carbon sinks and how they contribute to climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation.

1. Forests, mangroves, and oceans absorb amounts of CO2, helping limit atmospheric greenhouse gases.
2. Protecting carbon sinks preserves biodiversity hotspots, maintaining ecosystem services and resilience.
3. Natural sinks regulate local climates, prevent soil erosion, and support livelihoods of vulnerable communities.
4. Degradation of these sinks releases stored carbon, exacerbating climate change impacts.
5. International efforts emphasize conservation and restoration of these ecosystems as cost-effective mitigation strategies.
6. Examples include the Amazon rainforest and Sundarbans mangroves, critical for global carbon balance and biodiversity.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges and opportunities of ensuring a just and inclusive transition in the global shift towards low-carbon economies.

1. Challenges include potential job losses in fossil fuel sectors and social inequalities affecting vulnerable communities.
2. Opportunities arise from green job creation, skills development, and inclusive policies promoting social equity.
3. Climate finance targeting adaptation and resilience supports vulnerable populations (e.g., France’s contribution to Green Climate Fund).
4. Just transition requires stakeholder engagement—local governments, businesses, workers, and citizens—to ensure fairness.
5. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure exemplifies collaborative efforts to protect communities during transitions.
6. Balancing economic growth with social justice is key to sustainable, widely accepted climate action.