When was the Paris Agreement adopted?
The final wording of the agreement was adopted by consensus on the 12th of December 2015. This adoption occurred during the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.
Questions about Paris Agreement
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How many countries have ratified the Paris Agreement as of January 2026?
As of January 2026, 194 states and the European Union have ratified or acceded to the agreement. These parties represent over 98% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Why did the United States withdraw from the Paris Agreement in 2026?
President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the agreement on the 20th of January 2025. The withdrawal went into effect on the 27th of January 2026 after a mandatory waiting period following entry into force for three years.
What is the difference between the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol regarding legal targets?
Unlike the Kyoto Protocol which sets commitment targets with legal force, the Paris Agreement allows for voluntary and nationally determined targets. Specific climate goals are politically encouraged rather than legally bound under international law.
Which country has the lowest emissions relative to its requirements according to the Paris Agreement?
Of all countries, only the Gambia's emissions are at the level required by the agreement. Other nations such as Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Thailand have been criticized for not doing enough to meet requirements.