Paris Agreement @ 10 Years
Background
Adopted at COP21 (2015) in Paris under the UNFCCC framework.
Objective: Limit global temperature rise well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit to 1.5°C.
As of 2025 marks 10 years since adoption; the world is not on track but progress has been made.
Achievements and Impact
Shift in Warming Trajectory
Pre-Paris projection: 4°C–5°C warming by 2100.
Post-Paris projection: ~2°C–3°C still insufficient, but a clear improvement.
Shows collective action and multilateralism can work.
Principles Behind Paris Agreement
Based on equity, fairness, and international solidarity.
Respects national circumstances and differentiated responsibilities (CBDR principle).
Promotes just transitions for developing countries.
Decade of Transformation (2015–2025)
Sector | 2015 | 2025 | Impact |
Energy | Fossil fuels most competitive | Renewables (solar, wind, hydro) cheaper | Drives low-carbon growth |
Transport | EVs niche & costly | EVs = ~20% of global car sales | Massive drop in fossil fuel use |
Solar Cooperation | ISA launched (India–France) | 120+ members | Expanding solar access globally |
International Solar Alliance (ISA)
Conceived at COP21, jointly launched by India & France.
Now a global coalition of 120+ members.
Focus: Capacity building, finance, and solar access for all.
ISA = Example of India–France climate multilateralism in action.
India co-chaired the 8th ISA Assembly (Oct 2025) with France.
India’s Climate Leadership
India aims for:
Net-zero by 2070
50% installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources — achieved 5 years early (in 2025).
Low-carbon development path toward Viksit Bharat @2047.
Over half of renewable energy growth expected from solar.
Priorities for COP30 (Belém, Brazil)
Raise Global Ambition
Accelerate emissions reduction collectively.
Ensure a Just and Inclusive Transition
Focus on vulnerable communities.
Climate finance: France contributes to
Green Climate Fund (GCF)
Loss and Damage Fund
CREWS (Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems)
Advocates for global solidarity levies.
Protect Natural Carbon Sinks
Forests, mangroves, oceans — e.g., Amazon and Sundarbans.
Empower Non-State Actors
Local governments, businesses, civil society, and scientists to drive implementation.
Defend Science & Fight Disinformation
Support IPCC; promote fact-based climate policy.
Prelims Practice MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Paris Agreement:
It is a legally binding treaty under the UNFCCC adopted in 2015.
It allows countries to determine their own climate targets through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
The principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) forms its core.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 ✅
(d) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
All three statements are correct. The Paris Agreement (2015) is legally binding, based on NDCs and CBDR-RC principle.
Q. With reference to India’s climate commitments, consider the following:
India achieved 50% of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources five years ahead of the 2030 target.
India aims for net-zero emissions by 2050.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only ✅
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct; India achieved this in 2025 (target: 2030).
Statement 2 is incorrect; India’s net-zero target year is 2070.
Q. “CREWS” often mentioned in climate discussions stands for:
(a) Coalition for Renewable Energy and Wind Systems
(b) Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems ✅
(c) Climate Resilient Energy and Weather Scheme
(d) Climate Response and Emergency Warning Structure