Seizing the Paris Moment

WRI Climate Director Jennifer Morgan frames COP21 as a transformational moment to shift the world toward a sustainable economic model. While noting that over 160 countries have submitted climate action plans (INDCs) and major economies are increasing renewable energy supply, the document warns that current efforts are insufficient to meet the 2 degree C limit. It proposes three essential components for the Paris agreement: clear long-term and short-term signals to catalyze investment and decarbonization, a solidarity package providing finance and tools to developing countries, and a global system of transparency and accountability.

• Current global climate action plans, or intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs), have reduced the projected warming trajectory from 4 or 5 degrees C, but they remain insufficient to meet the scientific goal of limiting warming to 2 degrees C.
• WRI analysis indicates that eight of the world's largest economies would collectively double their renewable energy supply based on their submitted climate action plans.
• To effectively reduce emissions and support vulnerable nations, the Paris agreement requires three specific elements: clear signals to investors to catalyze decarbonization and resilience, a solidarity package of finance and tools for developing countries, and a global transparency and accountability system.
• The document advocates for a long-term global target to decarbonize the economy within the century while eliminating poverty, supported by a commitment to strengthen national action plans every five years beginning in 2020.

APA

Morgan, J. (2015). Seizing the Paris Moment. World Resources Institute. https://www.wri.org/insights/seizing-paris-moment

Chicago

Morgan, Jennifer. Seizing the Paris Moment. World Resources Institute, 2015. https://www.wri.org/insights/seizing-paris-moment.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Morgan |first1=Jennifer |title=Seizing the Paris Moment |publisher=World Resources Institute |date=23 November 2015 |url=https://www.wri.org/insights/seizing-paris-moment |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{morgan2015seizing, author = {Morgan, Jennifer}, title = {{Seizing the Paris Moment}}, publisher = {World Resources Institute}, year = {2015}, month = nov, url = {https://www.wri.org/insights/seizing-paris-moment}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }