ABSTRACT
This chapter examines global efforts to coordinate decarbonization policies, focusing on key milestones such as the Paris Agreement and the role of emission scenarios in shaping national and international climate strategies. Since the establishment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has facilitated international dialogue to address global warming. While unilateral efforts are often undermined by competitive disadvantages, this chapter underscores the necessity for globally coordinated policies to ensure effective climate action.
The Paris Agreement, adopted at COP21 in 2015, marked a historic shift by incorporating a flexible, bottom-up approach, where countries submit their own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Key goals include limiting global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to cap it at 1.5°C, supported by climate finance mechanisms for developing nations. The Agreement’s emphasis on mitigation, adaptation, and equitable transitions highlights its comprehensive vision.
The chapter also analyses emission scenarios, emphasizing how these projections influence policy decisions. It critiques the slow pace of implementation and highlights the insufficiency of current commitments to meet the Agreement’s goals. By exploring the interplay of political, economic, and environmental factors, the chapter provides a detailed roadmap for aligning global actions with sustainability targets.
