The Hindu Editorial Analysis
30 October 2025
A Decade After Paris Accord: An Unstoppable Transition
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)
Topic : GS Paper III: Environment | GS Paper II: International Relations
Context
Ten years after the Paris Agreement (2015–2025), the world faces record temperatures and visible climate disasters, including floods and heatwaves in India. Yet, the Paris framework has proved that collective global action can bend the curve of warming. Without it, global temperatures were projected to rise by 4–5°C; sustained multilateral cooperation has now reduced that to about 2–3°C.
The Paris Agreement’s Relevance
The Paris Accord remains fair, just, and inclusive. It respects national circumstances, promotes differentiated responsibilities, and keeps global cooperation alive. It has replaced the fossil-fuel-centric model with a new growth pattern based on renewables, electric mobility, and efficiency.
Today, clean energy—solar, wind, hydro—is expanding worldwide. This has improved energy security, created jobs, and reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels. The transition is now economically irreversible.
India–France Partnership and the Solar Alliance
At COP21, India and France launched the International Solar Alliance (ISA)—a concrete example of Paris-spirit multilateralism. The ISA now has over 120 member countries supporting solar deployment through training, capacity building, and finance.
India’s clean-energy momentum is notable: more than half its electricity now comes from non-fossil sources, reaching its 2030 target early. Its net-zero 2070 pathway and leadership in the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure further anchor South–North cooperation.
The Road Ahead
- Accelerate climate finance: developed countries must meet and expand Green Climate Fund and Loss-and-Damage pledges.
- Ensure a just transition: policies must protect vulnerable communities and developing economies.
- Protect natural carbon sinks: forests, mangroves, and oceans remain critical climate buffers.
- Empower non-state actors: businesses, scientists, and citizens must help implement goals.
- Defend climate science: misinformation must be countered to sustain public trust.
Conclusion
Despite gaps, the Paris Agreement has irreversibly shifted global policy toward sustainability. India’s leadership, coupled with global cooperation, makes the clean-energy transition unstoppable.
“The Paris Agreement was not an endpoint but the start of a collective journey toward a low-carbon, resilient world.”