Introduction
In the decade since the Paris Agreement on climate change was signed, discussions around global warming have become more heated and often less sincere. As the former director of Greenpeace International and secretary of state for climate policy in Germany, I have witnessed these developments firsthand.
The Paris Agreement: Achievements and Challenges
Despite political turmoil, including the Brexit, Trump presidency, COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, the Paris Agreement has seen remarkable progress. The agreement combines effective measurement and tracking mechanisms with flexibility for countries to design their own climate action plans.
Every five years, governments are urged to increase their efforts. Surprisingly, the majority have responded positively so far.
The rapid transition to clean energy is evident, with 92.5% of new electricity capacity in 2024 coming from renewable sources, and 75% of new wind and solar installations now generating cheaper energy than previous fossil fuel-based systems. This was unimaginable in 2015.
However, the world is not on track to meet climate goals, and the devastating effects of global warming are manifesting faster than anticipated. Yet, the undeniable progress since 2015 offers hope that advancements will continue.
The Paris Agreement now faces its toughest challenges due to various conflicts, tight public finances (partly caused by pandemic costs), and a shaking of the international order established after World War II.
The Road Ahead: COP30 and Beyond
In September, the Paris Agreement faced a crucial test at the UN General Assembly, where all countries presented their climate plans. This process will conclude at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, later this year.
Despite the gloomy state of climate discussions, I remain optimistic. The collective spirit forged over the past decade works silently but firmly to solidify and extend the achieved progress.
The Brazilian concept of “mutirão” – meaning “coming together” to tackle a problem – is relevant here. As climate crises intensify worldwide, countries must collaborate to address multiplying wildfires, deepening droughts, and devastating floods.
However, fossil fuel interests (including the Trump administration) resist this transformation. They acknowledge the global energy shift but are reluctant to accept their inevitable decline without a fight, working tirelessly to reverse clean energy progress in the US and undermine foreign green competition to coal and oil.
COP30 is a critical juncture where governments must confirm, intensify, and accelerate their Paris Agreement commitments.
- Modernize energy systems, abandon fossil fuels, and increase renewable energy use. By 2030, reduce deforestation to zero.
- Achieve the agreed climate financing targets. Investors need clear guidance on where to allocate their funds.
- Implement concrete solutions for energy storage, grids, and local renewable energy systems. Continue challenging fossil fuel producers and consumers to expedite their transition away from fossil fuels.
- Establish a new financing mechanism for forest conservation. Brazil’s Forest Forever proposal could be crucial. Rich countries should double (or triple) their adaptation financing, and regional banks along with the World Bank must integrate resilience measures into all infrastructure projects.
Brazil has a significant opportunity to cement its legacy as an advocate for the world’s most vulnerable communities. President Luiz Inácio Lula Da Silva can be remembered not only for lifting millions out of poverty in his country but also for safeguarding our descendants from ecological and economic destruction.
