Ten Years of the Paris Agreement
Ten years ago, the governments of the world made a groundbreaking decision during the UN climate change conference in Paris: they committed to taking effective measures against climate change, resulting in the Paris Agreement.
In the years that followed, many governments strengthened their ambitions and actions to address the climate crisis. Even before Paris, renewable energy was growing, but the Agreement added significant momentum. Today, the vast majority of energy-related investment is directed toward renewable energy. While climate mitigation is not the only driver of this boom, it has become an increasingly important one.
The historic decision in Paris was taken at a time when international cooperation based on consensus was difficult but still achievable. Now, a decade later, the world has changed fundamentally.
Today, it seems almost impossible to imagine all countries agreeing to phase out fossil fuels. On the contrary, some governments are delaying, blocking, or even prohibiting renewable energy deployment. The destructive fossil fuel industry has found new allies, and once again, wars over fossil resources have become a reality.
Against this background, the shift to a renewable-energy future is more urgent than ever. Climate protection, energy affordability, and international peace are undeniable reasons for a rapid transformation of our energy systems. Despite the destructive forces at work, progress in renewable energy continues and appears unstoppable in many parts of the world.
We therefore call on all like-minded entities and individuals—on governments at all levels, on businesses, on communities, and on citizens—to join forces and collaborate for the accelerated deployment of renewable energy.
For the future. For prosperity. For the people of our planet Earth.
