Did the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement Change the Trajectory of the Global Response to the Build-Up of Greenhouse Gas Emissions?

Abstract

In this chapter it is argued that climate change is a serious issue in need of serious action. At present, the climate is changing faster than at any point in the history of modern civilization. The rising average temperature gives rise to an increase in the frequency, intensity, and duration of weather extremes, as well as other environmental changes. In 2015, history was written through the adoption of the Paris Climate Change Agreement—an international treaty aimed at strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change. The Agreement was received with enthusiasm and today, nearly seven years later, it can be questioned whether the reaction was warranted. This chapter aims to assess whether the Paris Agreement changed the trajectory of the global response to the build-up of greenhouse gas emissions. The conclusion reached is that, although it is too soon to make any firm predictions, such an effect cannot yet be ascertained. For the Agreement to be successful, it needs to be legally binding, it must demand more ambitious contributions from parties, and subnational leaders and companies have to be given the opportunity to formally commit to the Agreement. Seeing to the difficulties associated with international climate change Agreements, alternative approaches, like climate clubs and influencing the general public, should also be explored.