The Paris Agreement is a landmark in the global fight against climate change. Adopted on December 12, 2015, at the COP21 climate summit in Paris, it has since been signed by nearly every country on Earth. The main goal? To limit global warming to well below 2°C, and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels.
What Is the Paris Agreement?
The Paris Agreement is an international legally binding climate treaty under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). For the first time, all countries—rich and poor—committed to taking action on climate change.
Its key objectives
- Limit the global temperature rise to well below 2°C.
- Aim for 1.5°C to reduce climate-related risks.
- Strengthen climate resilience and adaptive capacity.
- Align financial flows with low-emission, climate-resilient development.
What Do Countries Actually Commit To?
Each country submits its own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—national climate action plans that outline goals for reducing emissions and adapting to climate impacts. These NDCs:
- Must be updated every 5 years.
- Are expected to become more ambitious over time.
- Are subject to public reporting under a transparency framework.
The agreement also emphasizes:
- Climate finance: Developed countries commit to providing at least $100 billion per year through 2025 to support developing nations.
- Technology sharing and capacity-building.
- The importance of human rights, gender equality, and the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Where Can You Read the Full Paris Agreement?
The official version in English is available via the United Nations:
A Dutch-language version is available here:
Summaries of the Paris Agreement
To make the agreement more accessible, we’ve created two in-depth summaries:
Why Is the Paris Agreement So Important?
The Paris Agreement is unique in its global scope and inclusive approach. Instead of a top-down system, it gives every country a role, while recognizing the differences in capacity and responsibility. It also emphasizes support, cooperation, and continuous improvement.
It has led to:
- A major boost in sustainable investment worldwide.
- Widespread commitment from governments, businesses, cities, and citizens.
- A clear framework for international cooperation in the decades ahead.
In Conclusion
The Paris Agreement is not the finish line—but the starting point for meaningful global climate action. The real challenge lies in implementation, increasing ambition, and tracking progress.
Want to learn more or take action yourself? Read the summaries, explore the full agreement, and share it with your community. Climate change demands a united response—local, national, and global.
Download our summary: