COP 24 leaves much to be done regarding climate change

Significance

Delegates succeeded in establishing most of the technical guidance necessary to implement the 2015 Paris Agreement -- a notable achievement, but not one that will, in itself, bring emission levels down towards meeting the Paris Agreement’s goals. New data suggest emissions rose in 2018, after three years of no growth.

Impacts

• The challenge of achieving a ‘just transition’ for workers in fossil-intensive sectors will complicate climate policy.
• US President Donald Trump’s continued criticism of the Paris Agreement may undermine international commitment to it.
• Bilateral carbon trading schemes are still able to proceed despite deadlock on relevant Paris Agreement rules.