International agreement from 12 December 2015 within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) dealing with greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, adaptation and finance starting in the year 2020
The Paris Agreement established the first universal, legally binding global framework to limit warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
Key Facts
- Parties to agreement
- 194 UNFCCC member states (as of January 2026)
- Negotiating parties
- 196
- Temperature limit (upper)
- 2°C above pre-industrial levels
- Temperature limit (preferred)
- 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels
- Entry into force
- 4 November 2016
- Emissions reduction target by 2030
- ~50% cut to stay below 1.5°C
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Growing scientific consensus on dangerous anthropogenic climate change and the inadequacy of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol—which distinguished sharply between developed and developing nations—prompted renewed multilateral negotiations under the UNFCCC. Countries sought a successor framework that would engage all major emitters in voluntary but nationally determined emissions reduction commitments.
At the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference held near Paris, 196 parties negotiated and adopted the Paris Agreement on 12 December 2015. The treaty was formally opened for signature on Earth Day, 22 April 2016, and entered into force on 4 November 2016 after sufficient ratification. It requires each country to set and regularly report on nationally determined contributions toward limiting global temperature rise.
Following the agreement's adoption, 194 UNFCCC members ratified it, making it the broadest climate treaty in history. Despite this, global emissions continued to rise, and 2024 became the hottest year on record. The agreement has been used in climate litigation to compel governments and corporations to strengthen climate action, while debates persist over whether voluntary national pledges are sufficient to meet the stated temperature goals.
Political Outcome
Adoption of a binding international treaty committing 194 UNFCCC member states to nationally determined emissions reductions, with a long-term goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C and preferably 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Kyoto Protocol framework with strict developed/developing country distinction and limited participation by major emitters
Universal framework requiring all parties, including developing nations, to submit and regularly update emissions reduction plans