The Paris Agreement on Climate Change

This book offers a comprehensive legal analysis of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, detailing its articles and implications for global climate action.

The Paris Agreement on Climate Change represents a transformative shift in the international climate change framework, emphasizing a collective commitment to mitigate climate change. This book offers the first comprehensive legal analysis of the Agreement's articles, contextualizing their significance and outlining their practical implementation. Signed in December 2015 and effective from November 4, 2016, the Agreement's ambitious goals require concerted efforts across all sectors to be realized.

In the first part, the book delves into the foundational context of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, exploring the scientific, political, and social factors that influenced its creation. It provides a historical overview of the negotiations and the evolution of critical concepts, such as common but differentiated responsibilities, while also analyzing the legal structure and implications of the Agreement.

Subsequent sections offer detailed commentary on each article, highlighting key aspects from the negotiation history and the legal obligations involved. The book also discusses the institutional frameworks necessary for national implementation and provides insights into future developments. Ultimately, it reflects on the Agreement's strengths and weaknesses, its potential for growth, and its interplay with other areas of international law, making it an essential resource for academics, policymakers, and practitioners involved in climate action.