The Paris Agreement, which was adopted by 195 countries at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2015, was hailed as a landmark agreement to combat climate change.

But what was the main aim of the Paris Agreement, and did it achieve its objectives?

The primary goal of the Paris Agreement was to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5°C. This was considered an ambitious target, given that global temperatures had already risen by approximately 1°C since pre-industrial times.

To achieve this aim, the Paris Agreement called for all countries to submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) outlining their emissions reduction targets. These targets were expected to be regularly reviewed and updated, with a view to increasing ambition over time.

The Paris Agreement also included provisions for countries to report on their progress towards meeting their emissions reduction targets, and for developed countries to provide financial and technological support to developing countries to help them transition to low-carbon economies.

Another key aim of the Paris Agreement was to strengthen the ability of countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change, particularly those countries that are most vulnerable to its effects.

Did the Paris Agreement achieve its objectives?

While the Paris Agreement was widely lauded as a historic achievement, there is no doubt that much more needs to be done to achieve its goals. According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme, the world is currently on track to warm by more than 3°C by the end of the century, far exceeding the 1.5°C target.

Many countries have fallen short of their emissions reduction targets, and progress towards meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement has been uneven. In addition, the United States, one of the world`s largest emitters, announced its intention to withdraw from the agreement in 2017.

Despite these challenges, there have been some positive developments since the adoption of the Paris Agreement. Several countries, including China and India, have made significant strides towards renewable energy, and the cost of renewable technologies has fallen dramatically in recent years. In addition, there has been an increasing recognition of the need for climate action by businesses, cities, and subnational governments.

In conclusion, the main aim of the Paris Agreement was to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5°C. While much more needs to be done to achieve these goals, the Paris Agreement represents a critical first step towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.