Is the Paris Agreement effective? A systematic map of the evidence

Abstract

The Paris Agreement (PA) sets out to strengthen the global response to climate change, setting targets for mitigation, adaptation, and finance, and establishing mechanisms through which to achieve these targets. The effectiveness of the PA’s mechanisms in achieving its targets, however, has been questioned. This review systematically maps the peer-reviewed literature on the PA, categorizing the available evidence on whether or not the ‘Paris Regime’ can be effective. We split our analysis into three methodologically distinct sections: first we categorize the literature according to the mechanisms being studied. We find a diverse body of literature, albeit with a clear focus on mitigation, and identify adaptation and capacity building to be clear gaps. Second, we carry out a content analysis, identifying common drivers of, barriers to, and recommendations for effectiveness. Here we find mixed evidence, with potential drivers often qualified by more concrete barriers. Thirdly, we use scientometrics to identify six research clusters. These cover loss and damage, finance, legal issues, international politics, experimental evidence, and studies on tracking progress on the PA’s targets. We conclude with a narrative discussion of our findings, presenting three central themes. First, transparency is widely considered a precondition for the PA to be institutionally effective. However, a lack of clear reporting standards and comparable information renders the PA’s transparency provisions ineffective. Second, environmental effectiveness relies on national ambition, of which there is currently too little. It remains unclear to which extent the Paris Regime structure itself can induce significant ratcheting-up of ambition. Finally, the PA facilitates the diffusion of norms, enables learning and the sharing of best practices. This production of shared norms provides the most promising avenue for overcoming the current lack of ambition. One of the primary successes of the PA is in providing a platform for the exchange of experiences and ideas.

Greta Thunberg and the Generation of Moral Authority: A Systematic Literature Review on the Characteristics of Thunberg’s Leadership

“…Many claim that Thunberg often refers to science and facts to scare people into understanding that they need to change their behavior [47,57,60,61]. However, Raiser et al [3] claim that it is not the mere scientific facts that attract people's attention, but that they are willing to change their behavior and listen to Thunberg because she confronts them with compelling arguments [3]. Sabherwal et al [32] refer to such behavior as social comparison, suggesting that this is why Thunberg has had a strong impact on people worldwide.…”

“…Some authors argue that trusting someone is a slippery slope for the younger generation [3,72,79]. Through social media and electronic news, nearly everyone has access to world events.…”

“…One such measure is the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change, whereby countries collaborate to implement sustainable solutions for keeping global warming below 1.5 • C [2]. Currently, the general approach to climate change is state-centric, with political leaders attempting to address the problem through different agreements and institutions [3]. However, even if the ecological footprint can be reduced, doing so will take time and require cautious decision-making [3].…”

“…Currently, the general approach to climate change is state-centric, with political leaders attempting to address the problem through different agreements and institutions [3]. However, even if the ecological footprint can be reduced, doing so will take time and require cautious decision-making [3]. Several scholars have drawn attention to the complexity of the negotiation process in the political arena and to the absence of overall leadership as being two major hindrances to efforts to limit climate change [3][4][5][6].…”

“…However, even if the ecological footprint can be reduced, doing so will take time and require cautious decision-making [3]. Several scholars have drawn attention to the complexity of the negotiation process in the political arena and to the absence of overall leadership as being two major hindrances to efforts to limit climate change [3][4][5][6]. Differing beliefs and multidimensional problems relating to climate change pose the question of what kind of leader is required to address the problem most effectively.…”