The Paris Agreement: reflections on a human endeavor

ON Saturday 12 December 2015, half a century since scientists first told the world about global warming, and after more than two decadesof procrastination and collapsed negotiations, almost 200 nations committed to an historic, legally binding, universal agreement to cut human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, and to stave off the lethal effects of climate change. The Paris accord establishes a solidframework for phasing out fossil fuels and clearing the path toward a low-carbon future. It sets the ambitious goals of limiting global warming to less than 1.5 degreescelsius against a pre-industrial baseline;zero net carbon emissions;and the promise of $100 billion a year between now and 2025 to help developing countries mitigate and adapt. It strives to bring global food security, reduce poverty, protect essential rights, and foster peace among the world’s nations.

“What brings us here together is the planet itself” said the French president, François