A decade after Paris accord, an unstoppable transition

Source: The post “A decade after Paris accord, an unstoppable transition” has been created, based on “A decade after Paris accord, an unstoppable transition” published in “The Hindu” on 30 October 2025. A decade after Paris accord, an unstoppable transition.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper -3-Environment

Context: The Paris Agreement, adopted at COP21 in 2015, represents the most significant global effort to combat climate change. It aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to restrict it to 1.5°C. Ten years later, although emissions continue to rise, the Paris Agreement has triggered an irreversible transition toward a sustainable and low-carbon world.

Achievements and Impact

1. The Paris Agreement has shown that collective international cooperation can influence the global climate trajectory.
2. Before its adoption, the world was heading toward a 4°C–5°C temperature rise by 2100, but this has been reduced to approximately 2°C–3°C through global efforts.
3. It has encouraged differentiated responsibilities, respecting the diverse capabilities of developing and developed countries.
4. The Agreement has accelerated the renewable energy revolution, making solar, wind, and hydroelectricity the most competitive sources of new power.
5. Electric mobility and battery technology have progressed rapidly, and electric vehicles now constitute nearly 20% of global new car sales.
6. The global energy shift has also created jobs, enhanced energy security, and improved national sovereignty for many developing countries.

Example of Effective Multilateralism (ISA)

1. The International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-founded by India and France at COP21, exemplifies how multilateralism under the Paris Agreement can drive real progress.
2. It has grown into a coalition of over 120 member countries, promoting capacity building, training, and financial support for solar transitions.
3. At the 8th ISA Assembly in 2025, co-chaired by India and France, the alliance reaffirmed its mission to make solar energy accessible to all.
4. India’s strong commitment to renewable energy is evident, as more than 50% of its installed electricity capacity now comes from non-fossil sources, well ahead of the 2030 target.
5. India also aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and pursue a low-carbon development pathway under the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”

Challenges in the Post-Paris Decade

1. Global emissions continue to rise, and the current national commitments (NDCs) remain inadequate to meet the 1.5°C target.
2. Developing countries face financial constraints, as developed nations have not fulfilled their $100 billion annual climate finance commitments.
3. Adaptation measures remain underfunded, leaving vulnerable regions exposed to climate disasters such as floods and heatwaves.
4. Dependence on fossil fuels still persists, especially in emerging economies where coal and oil dominate the energy mix.
5. Climate misinformation and weak governance reduce public trust and hinder effective policy implementation.
6. Technological and intellectual property barriers limit the transfer of clean technologies to developing countries.

Way Forward

1. The world must accelerate collective emission reduction efforts and adopt ambitious, science-based national targets.
2. There should be a just and inclusive transition, prioritising adaptation, resilience, and support for vulnerable communities through mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund, Loss and Damage Fund, and CDRI.
3. Protection of natural carbon sinks, including forests, mangroves, and oceans, must become a central strategy in global climate action.
4. Empowering local governments, businesses, and civil society is essential to translating climate goals into action on the ground.
5. Defending climate science and strengthening institutions like the IPCC are vital to combat disinformation and ensure evidence-based policy.
6. Developed nations should ensure predictable and equitable climate finance to bridge the implementation gap.

Conclusion: The transition initiated by the Paris Agreement is unstoppable because it has become a necessity for human survival and economic progress. It is unstoppable because industries, markets, and governments are increasingly aligning with sustainability. It is unstoppable because multilateralism, as seen in the ISA, continues to drive cooperation and innovation. Despite persistent challenges, the Paris Agreement has irreversibly placed the world on a path toward a low-carbon, resilient, and inclusive global future.

Question: Assess the impact of the Paris Agreement on global climate action and explain why the transition it began is considered unstoppable.