Environmental activists gathered near the Eiffel Tower during the COP21 UN climate summit in Paris on December 6, 2015, to form a human chain representing the peace sign and spelling out “100% renewable.” This event marked the adoption of the Paris Agreement by nearly 200 countries, the world’s first global pact to combat climate change. The agreement aimed to limit global warming to “well below” 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, with efforts to restrict it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
A decade later, these nations will convene in Belem, Brazil, for this year’s COP30 summit from November 10 to 21. Over the past ten years, atmospheric greenhouse gas levels and global temperatures have continued to rise significantly, reaching record highs.
Comparing the world before and after the Paris Agreement, the average global temperature has increased by 0.3 degrees Celsius in the past decade, with projections indicating a potential 2.3-degree Celsius rise by 2100 if current climate commitments are fully implemented. This rise in temperature would result in a doubling of potentially deadly hot days annually on a global scale.
In terms of technology advancements, there has been a notable evolution in clean energy technologies since 2015. Electric vehicle (EV) sales have seen growth, with renewable power generation surpassing coal as a primary source of electricity globally in the first half of 2025.
The impact of the Paris Agreement on laws and regulations has been significant, leading to the implementation of national policies promoting low-carbon technologies and solutions. Countries like Canada have introduced measures such as carbon pricing, zero-emission vehicle policies, and net-zero goals. The agreement has also prompted provincial and municipal governments to enact climate-friendly policies, including bans on new gas connections in buildings.
Financially, investments in green energy exceeded $2 trillion in 2024, surpassing fossil fuel investments by $800 billion. The Paris Agreement has also emphasized financial assistance from developed countries to aid developing nations in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
While progress has been made, there is a consensus that more concerted efforts are needed to achieve the Paris Agreement’s objectives. Suggestions for enhancing climate action include revising global trade rules, making climate actions mandatory, and focusing on sector-specific climate progress during UN climate meetings. The ongoing challenge remains to bridge the gap between current actions and the ambitious goals set by the Paris Agreement.