Sustaining the Paris Agreement’s vision for a greener future

Laurence Tubiana reflects on 10 years of climate action and the path ahead to create a net-zero world

This year, the Paris Agreement – the landmark accord that united the world in the fight against climate change – turns 10 years old. To reflect on this milestone, we sat down with our CEO, Laurence Tubiana, one of the architects of the historic accord, who takes us behind the scenes of how the Paris Agreement came together, what it meant then, and why it still matters today.

Looking back, what was it like to be at the heart of the Paris Agreement during that pivotal moment 10 years ago?

In December 2015, as diplomats, negotiators, and world leaders gathered at COP21 in Paris to agree on a common response to climate change, the weight of the moment was impossible to ignore. The scars of past failures – not least the 2009 Copenhagen Summit, which collapsed without a binding deal – lingered in every speech, every draft, every hesitation. This was not just another negotiation; it was one of the last chances, if not the last, to secure a multilateral pact.

After weeks of intense discussions, and months of preparation, and against the odds, the Paris Agreement was finally adopted. In that moment, the room was filled with a quiet sense of relief that quickly turned into an overwhelming wave of emotion.

Ten years later, I still remember that moment vividly. As the French diplomat leading the negotiations, I was privileged to witness how those present at the negotiations transcended national mandates, personal interests, and political divisions. It was a moment of true unity, where the global community recognised the urgency of the climate crisis and committed to change.

What made the Paris Agreement stand out compared to previous climate accords?

The Paris Agreement stands out as a landmark climate accord because, for the first time, it united nearly every nation in recognising climate change as a common challenge and shared responsibility. It enshrined the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” ensuring that while all countries committed to action, the effort was fairly distributed according to their capabilities. This universal commitment sent a powerful signal – not just to governments but to economic actors, financial institutions, central banks, and civil society – demonstrating that the world was serious about limiting climate change. It also became a vital reference point for citizens and advocacy groups, a concrete promise they could hold their leaders accountable to.

This was driven by what I call the ‘Spirit of Paris’: recognizing that the fight against climate change isn’t just a government issue—it’s a whole-of-society issue. From the start, we envisioned the Paris Agreement as a catalyst for a societal movement, where citizens, businesses, and local authorities all play a role in driving change.

How do you see the ‘Spirit of Paris’ alive today?

Yes, absolutely. The core of the ‘Spirit of Paris’ is about making climate change a shared responsibility, seeing that this issue impacts us all, that solutions are within reach, and that we all have a part to play in implementing them. Today, climate action pervades every area and level of society, around the world. Central bankers are now factoring in climate risks, financial institutions are aligning with the Paris goals, and there’s a growing understanding that climate change affects everyone, everywhere. When I look at where we are now, despite the challenges, I see more and more people embracing this cause, understanding how climate change impacts them, and connecting local struggles to the global fight.

How can the ‘Spirit of Paris’ shape our approach to climate action as we navigate today’s challenging context?

The ‘Spirit of Paris’ is not just a symbol of hope, but a powerful call to action that transcends borders. It urges nations to look beyond their narrow interests and work together. No country can tackle this crisis alone.

In this critical moment, we need to focus on ramping up collaboration and renewing our commitment to multilateral solutions. Our action must also be grounded in fairness, acknowledging that those with the greatest means must lead in supporting vulnerable nations and communities most affected by climate change.

And ultimately, it’s about inclusivity. The Paris Agreement was reached because it listened to diverse voices, and moving forward, we must continue to amplify these perspectives to address the challenges ahead.

What advice would you offer on how Europe can achieve its climate targets and inspire global action in the year ahead?

Since 2015, Europe has faced major challenges like the pandemic, wars, and economic and political instability. Yet its commitment to addressing climate change has persisted – grown stronger, even.

Europe has a unique opportunity to demonstrate that ambitious climate action isn’t just a moral imperative but an opportunity—one that strengthens resilience, creates jobs, and secures a more prosperous, safer future. However, to meet its climate targets, Europe must remain united, politically astute, and committed to the values expressed in Paris. Collaboration—both within Europe and with the rest of the world—is key to success.

If we can get this right in the crucial years ahead, there is every reason to be optimistic that Europe, spurred on by a strong climate movement, can attain its climate targets and provide the “proof of concept” that ambitious climate action is politically and economically viable.