Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the Paris Agreement on climate change. How effective is Paris…

Question

Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the Paris Agreement on climate change. How effective is Paris Agreement in addressing global warming?

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

The Paris Agreement (2015) brought all countries into a bottom-up framework of Nationally Determined Contributions, but its targets are non-binding, climate finance is unreliable and enforcement weak, so it is only partly effective. Global emissions keep rising, and 2024 was the hottest year on record at 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels.

**Introduction**

The Paris Agreement⟦1⟧ is a landmark global effort to limit warming to below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C, by uniting all nations under a framework balancing environmental, social, and economic goals. Adopted in 2015 under the UNFCCC, it represents the first universal climate accord involving both developed and developing countries, emphasizing shared but differentiated responsibilities.

**Strengths of the Paris Agreement**

SKETCH: comparison | Paris Agreement Strengths vs Weaknesses  
a: Strengths  
b: Weaknesses  
- Universal participation :: Non-binding targets  
- Bottom-up NDCs :: Voluntary compliance risks  
- Comprehensive framework :: Insufficient finance  
- Equity focus :: Weak enforcement

1. **Bottom-Up NDCs and National Ownership**: Countries set emission targets every five years; India pledged a 33-35% reduction in emissions intensity from 2005 levels, raised to 45% in 2022, supported by ==Telangana’s renewable energy projects==, enhancing flexibility and ambition. This approach encourages countries to tailor actions to their contexts, increasing engagement and accountability.

**Weaknesses of the Paris Agreement**

1. **Insufficient Climate Finance⟦2⟧ and Delayed Adaptation Funding**: Despite pledges of $100 billion annually, funding is inconsistent; COP30 delayed tripling adaptation finance to 2035, weakening support for vulnerable areas like ==Telangana’s agricultural sectors dependent on Mission Kakatiya==. This shortfall hampers developing countries’ capacity to adapt and transition to low-carbon economies.

**Effectiveness in Addressing Global Warming**

1. **Global Cooperation and Ambition Platform**: The Agreement fosters dialogue and progressive commitments; India’s leadership and the global solar alliance show positive momentum. It also enables technology transfer and capacity building, crucial for sustainable development.

2. **Ambition Gap and Slow Progress**: Many NDCs fall short of 1.5°C targets and updated 2035 NDCs came late, limiting effectiveness. The lack of centralized enforcement and transparency mechanisms allows “climate cheating,” slowing global emission reductions.

**Conclusion**

The Paris Agreement’s inclusive framework and flexibility promote cooperation and national ownership, but non-binding targets, finance shortfalls, and enforcement gaps hinder its full potential to curb global warming effectively. Strengthening ambition and support mechanisms remains essential for its success.

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