The Paris agreement and the supporting decisions are a diplomatic triumph. They are an act of true global co-operation of historic significance. Yet it is crucial to distinguish between diplomacy and implementation. The diplomats have done their job: the Paris agreement points the world in the right direction with sophistication and clarity. It does not, however, ensure implementation, which remains the domain of politicians, businessmen, scientists, engineers and civil society.
Global agreements are necessary for global problem-solving and collaboration around a shared goal. The Paris agreement stakes out a global commitment to keep warming “well below 2C” and to pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5C. This is serious and wise — the target has been improved (from the previous “below 2C”) in light of scientific evidence on the grave risks of a massive rise in the sea level. The parties also aim to reach a global emissions peak as soon as possible.
Nor is the grim truth hidden from view. The voluntary intended nationally determined contributions at the heart of this agreement do not yet add up to a 2C limit, much less a 1.5C limit. The parties note that “much greater emissions reductions will be required”. This is not a sham agreement, it is diplomats telling the world the truth — that we should aim high but are not yet doing so sufficiently.