The Paris Agreement 

Despite numerous national and local initiatives aimed at combating climate change, few projects stand out for their reach and impact. Several government-led climate efforts have demonstrated significant progress, including the Paris Agreement, the European Green Deal, and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy, as reported by major international climate institutions.

In 2015, the Paris Agreement was adopted under the United Nations, bringing 195 countries together to address climate change, as outlined by the UNFCCC. Its primary objective is to limit global warming to well below 2°C, while pursuing efforts to remain under 1.5°C. Participating countries are required to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which detail national strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate impacts. Data from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) show that countries participating in the Paris Agreement account for nearly 90% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

At the regional level, the European Green Deal represents the most comprehensive climate policy framework ever implemented, as described by the European Commission. Introduced by the European Union, it sets the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Unlike voluntary agreements, the European Green Deal is enforced through binding legislation covering energy, transport, buildings, agriculture, and industry. European Commission policy documents also note that these regulations influence global markets, as international companies trading with Europe must comply with EU climate standards.

Although global treaties and regional laws are essential, cities play a crucial role in emissions reduction. The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy is recognized as the world’s largest climate initiative focused on local governments, based on official program data. It includes over 13,000 cities across more than 140 countries, representing more than one billion people worldwide. Research by UN-Habitat indicates that cities are responsible for over 70% of global CO₂ emissions, highlighting the importance of urban-level climate action.