In 2015, the Paris Agreement was hailed as a historic moment in the fight against climate change. The treaty, which was signed by 196 countries, aimed to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with a target of 1.5 degrees.

Five years on, it’s time to review the Paris Agreement and assess whether it has been effective in achieving its goals.

Firstly, it’s important to note that the Paris Agreement is a voluntary agreement, meaning that countries set their own targets and determine their own strategies for achieving them. This has led to a mixed bag of results, with some countries making significant progress while others have fallen short.

One of the key successes of the Paris Agreement has been the increased adoption of renewable energy. Since 2015, the cost of renewable energy has dropped significantly, making it more competitive with fossil fuels. As a result, countries around the world have invested heavily in wind and solar power, with some countries, such as Denmark and Costa Rica, meeting 100% of their energy needs from renewable sources.

Another notable achievement of the Paris Agreement has been the increased awareness of climate change and the urgent need to act. The treaty has put climate change at the top of the political agenda and has spurred action at all levels of government, from local councils to national parliaments.

However, despite these successes, there are still significant challenges to overcome. One of the biggest challenges is the continued use of fossil fuels, which still account for around 80% of global energy consumption. This has led to a rise in greenhouse gas emissions, which are driving global warming and causing more extreme weather events.

Another challenge is the lack of funding for climate action. Developed countries committed to provide $100 billion per year in climate finance to support developing countries in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. However, this funding has not yet been fully delivered, and many developing countries are struggling to access the resources they need to tackle climate change.

In conclusion, the Paris Agreement has made significant progress in the fight against climate change, but there is still much work to be done. The continued use of fossil fuels and lack of funding for climate action are significant challenges that must be addressed if we are to meet the targets set out in the treaty. With the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) fast approaching, it’s time for world leaders to step up and take decisive action to tackle climate change and safeguard our planet for future generations.