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The Paris Agreement is a pivotal global accord focused on addressing climate change. It was agreed upon by 196 parties in 2015 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris and entered into force on November 4, 2016. The agreement provides a framework for all nations to take ambitious action and avoid the catastrophic consequences of a warming planet.
The Paris Agreement, also called the Paris Climate Treaty, has three key goals:
The agreement follows a five-year cycle designed to encourage progressively stronger commitments to climate action. This approach allows countries to set their own targets and strategies, while also providing a framework for accountability and transparency. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the Global Stocktake, and Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) are the key mechanisms of the treaty.
Each country prepares and communicates NDCs as action plans. These outline how each country intends to reduce its output of greenhouse gases and prepare for the unavoidable effects of a changing climate.
Countries must update their NDCs every five years, with each new one representing a progression beyond the previous one. For example, India’s most recent NDC, submitted in 2026 for the period 2031 – 2035, includes a commitment to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 47% from the 2005 level by 2035.
The Global Stocktake assesses collective progress toward achieving the agreement’s long-term goals. It is conducted every five years, and its outcomes inform the next round of NDCs. The first one, which concluded at COP28 in 2023, resulted in a decision to advance action on finance, mitigation, and adaptation.
LT-LEDS looks ahead to midcentury, outlining how a country can achieve its climate objectives while aligning with its broader priorities. For instance, India’s LT-LEDS, submitted in 2022, set a goal of attaining net-zero emissions by 2070, focusing on a strategic transition in electricity systems, industry, and buildings.
As of 2026, 194 parties are part of the Paris Agreement. The United States, which ranks as the world’s second-biggest source of emissions, withdrew in 2020, rejoined in 2021, and notified the U.N. of a second withdrawal in 2025, which took effect on January 27, 2026.
While many countries have submitted their NDCs, there remains a significant gap between current commitments and the emissions reductions needed to meet the 1.5°C target. Even with the latest NDCs, current projections indicate a temperature rise of 2.3 – 2.5°C over this century. It has also been confirmed that 2025 was one of the three warmest years on record.
The 1.5°C limit is not an arbitrary number. Warming beyond this threshold would lead to significantly more severe and irreversible impacts.
Higher global temperatures intensify the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
As the planet warms, the oceans expand, and ice sheets melt, causing sea levels to rise. Many ice sheets are melting at up to seven times the rate they did 25 years ago.
Rising sea levels will inundate low-lying coastal areas, displacing millions of people and destroying critical infrastructure. The intrusion of saltwater into freshwater sources will also threaten drinking water supplies and agriculture in coastal regions.
Many ecosystems are highly sensitive to temperature changes, and warming beyond 1.5°C will lead to their collapse.
Rising ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching, weakening these ecosystems and threatening the marine life they support. Between January 2023 and September 2025, bleaching-level heat stress affected roughly 84% of the world’s coral reef areas.
The melting of Arctic and Antarctic ice sheets will accelerate sea-level rise and disrupt global ocean circulation patterns, with far-reaching consequences for climate and weather systems. Sea level would rise by about 200 feet if the Antarctic Ice Sheet melted.
National commitments to reduce emissions shape the choices available to individuals, and personal actions, in turn, are crucial for meeting these goals. Here are some examples of this connection in action:
Government investments in public transportation, bike lanes, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, driven by their NDCs, make it easier for people to choose more sustainable transportation options. Opting for a bus, train, or bike helps reduce a country’s overall emissions. Similarly, purchasing an EV contributes to this goal and is often supported by government tax credits or subsidies.
Many countries are promoting sustainable agriculture as part of their action plans. As a result, many plant-based products are appearing on store shelves and restaurant menus. Incorporating more of these foods into daily diets is an effective way to reduce personal greenhouse gas emissions, since meat and dairy production are major drivers of climate change.
Incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy are a common feature of NDCs. This could take the form of rebates for installing solar panels, tax credits for purchasing energy-efficient appliances, or better insulation standards for new homes. Taking advantage of these programs and being mindful of energy consumption lowers both carbon footprints and utility bills.
The future of climate policy under the Paris Agreement will likely involve several priorities, including:
The path to a sustainable future is challenging, but it is also an opportunity for innovation, collaboration, and positive change. Staying informed, making sustainable choices, and demanding ambitious climate action from leaders are all ways individuals can contribute to a more resilient world for generations to come.
