Adoption of the First Paris Agreement Text - December 5, 2015

On December 5, 2015, during the COP21 summit in Paris, an essential milestone in international climate negotiations was reached as the first draft text of what would become the Paris Agreement was adopted by consensus. This negotiated text marked a crucial step towards establishing a comprehensive and legally binding framework aimed at addressing climate change on a global scale.

Context and Background

The COP21 summit, formally known as the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), was held in Paris, France, in December 2015. The primary goal of this international conference was to create a new global treaty to mitigate, adapt to, and cooperate on efforts against climate change. The summit gathered delegates from nearly 200 countries, including scientists, policymakers, and activists.

Key Events Leading Up to the Adoption

Leading to the adoption of the first draft text on December 5, extensive negotiations had been occurring since the summit’s start on November 30. The delegates worked tirelessly in committees and plenary sessions to draft an agreement that balanced the diverse needs and priorities of nations, particularly those of vulnerable and developing countries.

Content of the Draft Text

The draft adopted on December 5 served as a foundation for the final agreement. It covered critical issues such as:

• Mitigation: Commitments to limit global temperature increase to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
• Adaptation: Support for developing countries to strengthen adaptive capacities, resilience, and reducing vulnerabilities.
• Financial Resources: Mobilization of funds from developed countries to assist developing countries in both mitigation and adaptation efforts.
• Transparency and Accountability: Establishing mechanisms for transparent reporting and assessment to ensure accountability.

Aftermath and Significance

The draft text’s adoption was a pivotal moment that paved the way for the final agreement, which was concluded a week later, on December 12, 2015. The Paris Agreement was hailed as a historic triumph in uniting the world’s nations in tackling climate change and marked a significant shift toward sustainable development.

This foundational step underscored the commitment of global leaders to collaborate on environmental issues and set the stage for future international climate policy. The Paris Agreement continues to serve as the central framework guiding international efforts in combating climate change.