Archive · 2 Jan 2026
Paris Agreement Faces Scrutiny on 10th Anniversary
The Paris Agreement, which is 10 years old, is being questioned by many countries.
They say it doesn't give them enough help or freedom to deal with climate change.
At a big meeting called COP30, developing countries like China, India, and Brazil pushed for their own needs and blocked plans to phase out fossil fuels.
They argue that the agreement's focus on reducing emissions isn't the only way to tackle climate change.
Instead, they want to focus on economic growth and adapting to climate impacts.
China, for example, has been increasing its emissions but is now ready to start reducing them.
India says that focusing only on emission targets is not fair and that developing countries should have more flexibility.
The Paris Agreement is under scrutiny for its effectiveness and relevance as it completes 10 years.
Developing countries, led by China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil, are asserting their rights and requirements in climate negotiations.
At COP30, developing countries blocked references to fossil fuel phase-out and included their demands in the final outcome.
Countries are questioning the basic principles of the Paris Agreement, arguing that its mitigation-centric approach may not be the most efficient.
India and others argue for prioritizing economic development and adaptation over strict emission reduction targets.
- Who
- Developing countries, led by China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil, along with the European Union and other countries
- What
- A shift in the climate narrative and scrutiny of the Paris Agreement's effectiveness and relevance
- When
- 2025, marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement
- Where
- Globally, with significant events at the COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil
- Why
- Developing countries feel the agreement places obligations on them without delivering promised resources and constrains their policy choices
- Agreement
- Paris Agreement
- Year Established
- 2014
- Key Target
- Limit global temperature rise to 1.5-2°C
- US Withdrawal
- 2025
- COP30 Location
- Belém, Brazil
- China's Emission Reduction Target
- 7-10% from peak levels
- China's Net-Zero Target Year
- 2060
- India's Stance
- Prioritize economic development and adaptation