COP21: A Good Deal for Climate and for Growth

A statement by Thomas C. Heller, Executive Director of Climate Policy Initiative, arguing that the Paris Agreement's success is underpinned by a global shift in perception where climate action and economic growth are seen as mutually reinforcing rather than contradictory.

• The Paris climateC climate deal establishes goals to keep global temperature increases well below two degrees, maintain annual climate finance at $100 billion, and increase action every five years.
• Economic growth is no longer viewed as a barrier to climate action; instead, it is seen as a driver for resource-saving investments and productive capital use that can improve weak economies.
• Climate finance grew by 18% to reach $391 billion in the previous year, with the majority of these funds originating from the private sector, supported by government policies.
• Specific regional economic opportunities for low-carbon transitions include the potential for the U.S. and Europe to lower electricity costs by 20% through utility model adjustments, and India's ability to meet wind power targets with minimal government support as wind becomes cost-competitive with imported coal.
• National efforts in Brazil and Indonesia highlight the link between agriculture, forestry, and emissions; Brazil's policies have halved deforestation rates, while Indonesia has opportunities to restructure its agriculture sector following peat fires and forest destruction.

APA

Heller, T. C. (2015). COP21: A Good Deal for Climate and for Growth. Climate Policy Initiative. https://www.climatepolicyinitiative.org/cop21-a-good-deal-for-climate-and-for-growth/

Chicago

Heller, Thomas C. COP21: A Good Deal for Climate and for Growth. Climate Policy Initiative, 2015. https://www.climatepolicyinitiative.org/cop21-a-good-deal-for-climate-and-for-growth/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Heller |first1=Thomas C. |title=COP21: A Good Deal for Climate and for Growth |publisher=Climate Policy Initiative |date=13 December 2015 |url=https://www.climatepolicyinitiative.org/cop21-a-good-deal-for-climate-and-for-growth/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{heller2015cop21, author = {Heller, Thomas C.}, title = {{COP21: A Good Deal for Climate and for Growth}}, publisher = {Climate Policy Initiative}, year = {2015}, month = dec, url = {https://www.climatepolicyinitiative.org/cop21-a-good-deal-for-climate-and-for-growth/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }