In short: The Paris Agreement entered into force on 4 November 2016. Countries committed to hold global warming well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C, through nationally determined contributions that are updated over time.
What is the Paris Agreement?
It is a legally binding international treaty on climate change adopted at COP21 in Paris in December 2015.
Why does it matter to organizations?
National climate commitments translate into regulation, reporting requirements and customer expectations, affecting energy use, supply chains and product design.
What can quality and sustainability professionals do?
- Measure and manage energy and emissions
- Integrate climate risk into management systems
- Use standards such as ISO 14001, ISO 50001 and ISO 14064-1
Key takeaways
- The Paris Agreement entered into force on 4 November 2016.
- It aims to keep warming well below 2°C.
- Climate goals increasingly shape business requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What are nationally determined contributions?
Each country’s climate action plan under the Paris Agreement.
Is the Paris Agreement binding on companies?
Not directly, but it drives national laws and regulations that apply to companies.
Which ISO standards support climate action?
ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 14064-1 and ISO 14068-1, among others.