Paris Agreement 2015 on Climate Change | UPSC Environment & Ecology Notes

The Paris Agreement UPSC topic is an important part of the Environment and Ecology syllabus for both Prelims and Mains. The Paris Agreement on Climate Change seeks to limit global warming and promote sustainable growth. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the Paris Climate Agreement is essential, as it directly connects with current affairs, international relations, and environmental governance.

In these notes, we will cover its key objectives, principles, India’s commitments, and its relevance for UPSC preparation.

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. It was adopted by 195 Parties at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, France, on 12 December 2015. It entered into force on 4 November 2016.

Key Objective of Paris Agreement: 

The goal is to hold “the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and pursue efforts “to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.”

Global efforts to tackle climate change began with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992. Here’s how:

• UNFCCC laid the foundation for international cooperation to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations. 
• Later, the Kyoto Protocol (1997) introduced legally binding emission reduction targets but applied only to developed countries, leaving major emitters like China and India without obligations. 
• This limited participation reduced its overall effectiveness.
• By the early 2010s, it became clear that a new, inclusive, and flexible global framework was needed, one that involved both developed and developing nations. 
• The world was also witnessing rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and a growing scientific consensus on the need for urgent climate action.

Hence, the Paris Agreement (2015) was adopted at COP 21 as a more balanced and comprehensive treaty. It aimed to unite all countries under a common goal — to limit global warming, promote sustainable growth, and ensure accountability through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Must read: Climate Change UPSC Notes: Meaning, Types, Causes & Key Initiatives

The Paris Agreement serves as a global framework that enables all countries to collaborate in combating climate change through their nationally determined efforts. It operates on principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, recognising that while climate change is a shared challenge, countries have different capacities and responsibilities. Key components include:

1. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):

Each country sets its own emission reduction targets, known as NDCs. These are updated every five years to reflect greater ambition in addressing climate change. 

2. Transparency Framework:

Countries must regularly report their greenhouse gas emissions, progress made, and actions taken. This ensures accountability and builds trust among nations.

3. Global Stocktake:

Every five years, countries collectively assess progress toward achieving the long-term temperature goals. The first stocktake took place in 2023.

4. Climate Finance:

Developed countries are required to provide financial assistance to developing nations for mitigation and adaptation efforts. The goal is to mobilise USD 100 billion annually.

5. Adaptation and Resilience:

The Agreement emphasises strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate impacts, especially in developing and climate-vulnerable nations.

6. Technology Transfer and Capacity Building:

It encourages sharing of technology, knowledge, and skills to support low-carbon, climate-resilient development.

Also read: Understanding the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for UPSC

"India has remained steadfast in its transition towards clean energy, achieving the fastest pace of renewable capacity addition among all major economies." — Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology 

Under the Paris Agreement, India has made several key commitments, also called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):

1. Renewable Energy Targets: Achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, including solar, wind, and biomass.

2. Emission Intensity Reduction: Reduce carbon intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.

3. Carbon Sink Goals: Create an additional 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent carbon sink through forests and tree cover.

Steps Taken to Achieve These Goals

To meet these ambitious goals, India has implemented several strategic initiatives:

• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Launched multiple missions on solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, and water.
• Updated NDCs 2022: India reaffirmed and enhanced its targets, emphasising clean energy, sustainable transport, and low-carbon growth.
• Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment): Promotes sustainable lifestyles among citizens to reduce carbon footprint.
• Renewable Energy Initiatives: Development of solar parks, wind energy projects, and grid modernisation.
• Afforestation and Green India Mission: Large-scale tree plantation programs to strengthen carbon sinks.

Must read: UN Framework Convention on Climate Change(UNFCCC): UPSC Notes

Global Achievements and Progress Since the Paris Agreement

• Climate action needs to be significantly scaled up to achieve the Paris Agreement goals fully.
• Since it entered into force, the agreement has spurred low-carbon solutions and new markets worldwide.
• Increasing numbers of countries, regions, cities, and companies are setting targets for carbon neutrality.
• Zero-carbon solutions are becoming economically competitive across sectors that account for 25% of global emissions.
• This trend is most visible in the power and transport sectors, creating new business opportunities for early adopters.
• By 2030, zero-carbon solutions could become competitive in sectors representing over 70% of global emissions.

India's Progress Under the Paris Agreement

India has made notable strides in meeting its climate commitments:

• Renewable Energy Capacity: India's renewable energy capacity reached approximately 200 GW by October 2024, accounting for 46.3% of its total installed capacity. The country aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030.
• Emission Intensity Reduction: Between 2005 and 2023, India reduced its emissions intensity by 39%, aligning with its target to reduce GDP emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
• Carbon Sink Enhancement: India has been actively increasing its forest cover and implementing afforestation programs to enhance carbon sinks, contributing to its climate action goals.

In the first half of FY26 (April-September 2025), India added a record 25 GW of renewable energy capacity, with solar power contributing approximately 21.7 GW and wind energy 3.09 GW.

India's progress demonstrates a strong commitment to its climate goals under the Paris Agreement, though continued efforts and policy support are essential to meet the 2030 targets.

Cover this key topic for UPSC syllabus: 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Objectives, Significance, India’s Progress, and SDG Report 2025 for UPSC

Despite global progress, several challenges hinder the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, especially when balancing development and climate goals across countries.

1. Financial Constraints

• Developing countries lack adequate funds to invest in clean technologies and climate adaptation projects.
• The Paris Agreement promised USD 100 billion annually in climate finance from developed nations, but the commitment has been delayed and insufficient.

Example: Many African and South Asian countries, including India and Bangladesh, have cited limited financial support for renewable and adaptation projects.

2. Technological Barriers

• Access to advanced low-carbon and renewable technologies remains unequal.
• Developing countries face difficulties in technology transfer due to high costs, patents, and a lack of infrastructure.

Example: Limited access to electric vehicles and green hydrogen technology restricts faster adoption in emerging economies.

3. Equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)

• The principle of “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC)” under the UNFCCC remains a point of contention.
• Developed nations, being historically responsible for most emissions, are expected to lead, yet developing nations still face pressure to cut emissions despite lower per capita contributions.

Example: India and China often emphasise climate justice, arguing that historical emitters like the U.S. and EU must take greater responsibility.

4. Political Will and Policy Gaps

• Climate commitments often clash with national economic interests.
• Policy inconsistency and weak enforcement at the national level hinder progress.

Example: The U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in 2017 (later rejoined in 2021) reflected how political shifts can disrupt long-term goals.

5. Global Cooperation Challenges

• Effective implementation requires coordination between nations, but geopolitical tensions and differing priorities slow collective progress.

Example: Global carbon markets and financing mechanisms under Article 6 are still evolving due to a lack of consensus.

“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” — Native American Proverb

To achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, focused and cooperative action is essential.

• Strengthen NDCs: Make them more ambitious, transparent, and regularly updated.
• Accelerate Renewable Transition: Expand solar, wind, and green hydrogen adoption.
• Develop Carbon Markets: Implement effective systems like India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS).
• Promote Sustainable Lifestyles: Encourage behavioural change through Mission LiFE and eco-friendly consumption.
• Ensure Climate Finance & Technology Transfer: Developed nations must meet funding pledges and share clean technologies.
• Integrate Climate Action with Development: Align environmental goals with inclusive economic growth and job creation.

A collective, equitable, and innovation-driven approach will ensure a sustainable future for India and the world.

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