This year, the world commemorates the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement. Adopted in 2015, this historic agreement sought to curb long-term global warming to well below two degrees Celsius, and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Global leaders forged the accord as an essential structure of the global climate diplomacy. Its ambition is to set a cleaner, greener, more sustainable path for all generations to come.
That changed dramatically with Canada’s leadership in the negotiations that produced the Paris Agreement. It would not have come together without the encouragement and support of Catherine McKenna, then Minister of Environment and Climate Change. McKenna described the agreement as “foundational,” pointing to its role in setting the stage for future climate policies and initiatives. The true legacy of the Paris Agreement is already starting to show, in the form of rising renewable energy adoption in countries big and small.
In 2015, prior to the agreement’s adoption, projections indicated that the planet was on track for a concerning warming of approximately 3.5 degrees Celsius by the century’s end, as reported by the United Nations. It’s within countries’ powers to do so by following through on their climate commitments—known as Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs. If they fulfill these, we might be able to limit global warming to around 2.5 degrees Celsius. More than half of the countries participating in the ongoing climate talks have yet to submit updated NDCs, raising concerns about global commitment levels.
In addition to these milestones, Canada is preparing for the next United Nations climate summit. On that first week of negotiations, Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin will be heading up the Canadian Delegation. Canada’s overarching role is to be a bridge-builder, helping build agreement and consensus on key issues that will come up over the course of the conference. This is a critically important role. Nonetheless, the country has recently come under fire for backtracking on major climate policies and coddling the oil and gas industry.
“There’s just no way that we can make those commitments given the current ways in which the government is pushing for oil and gas industry in Canada,” – Eriel Tchekwie Deranger.
Indigenous proposals have gained traction at this year’s summit, with Canada showing responsiveness to calls for increased funding directed toward adaptation efforts and climate finance. This engagement is a sign of a welcome new trend toward more inclusive dialogue. It recognizes the significant contributions and knowledge of Indigenous communities to counter climate change.
The Paris Agreement is just as relevant today. Countries are in constant negotiation on the best ways to address increasing climate change impacts, and where the money will come from to fund urgent mitigation activities. The next climate talks will have a unique opportunity to address these urgent concerns by emphasizing the need for strong, multi-stakeholder action.
Abreu, a key figure in global climate negotiations, voiced hope for the possibilities of cooperation between countries. He stated: “I think that that might actually result in the rest of the world being able to come up with some solutions together without that obstructionist presence.”
Despite this optimistic outlook, challenges remain evident. Critics have been sounding alarms on whether Canada is serious about honouring its climate commitments against a palette of changing political landscapes. The country’s recent decisions have raised questions about its dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fulfilling obligations under international agreements.
“But (the Paris Agreement) was critically important. Without that, we wouldn’t have this framework, we wouldn’t have ways to evaluate integrity, we wouldn’t have targets,” – Catherine McKenna.
Delegates from around the world are coming together for a pivotal negotiation. A breakthrough on climate negotiations is long overdue and urgently needed. It’s critical for countries to take responsibility for their NDCs and bear down together, as a global community, to the common objectives.
The Paris Agreement legacy
The Paris Agreement has an outsized legacy in framing the international climate discourse. It underscores the urgent, compelling case for united action to combat climate change.
