What’s in the Paris Climate Deal?

Please RSVP to expedite check-in A live webcast will be streamed at 2:30 PM EST at www.eesi.org/livecast (wireless connection permitting) The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invites you to a briefing discussing the climate deal that came out of the 2015 Paris climate change conference, as well as what lies ahead for the 185 countries that pledged to reduce their emissions. The agreement set an ambitious goal of keeping warming significantly below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), in line with the international consensus that any warming above that level could lead to very serious consequences for the planet. The agreement specifies that each country will submit a more ambitious climate action plan every five years, showing a clear progression in emission reductions. In addition, the deal includes guidelines for countries to self-report their progress in meeting commitments, and a schedule for nations to meet and take stock of the progress made. However, it is important to note that although every country has pledged to reduce emissions, none of these pledges are legally binding. The pledges so far will not reduce warming to below 2 degrees Celsius; according to data from the Climate Action Tracker, if countries stick to their commitments, warming should stay below 3 degrees Celsius. A target funding level for assistance to developing countries has not yet been set, although the agreement stipulates that funding will be more than $100 billion per year and will begin in 2025. Finally, in at least 55 countries (responsible for about 55 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions), the agreement will need to be ratified or approved, leaving it uncertain whether they will be able to stick to their commitments. Please join us as we discuss what commitments countries have made in the international deal on climate, and what the deal will mean for emission levels and the climate.