Article 1 provides definitions for key terms used throughout the Paris Agreement. It ensures that there is a common understanding of important concepts like “Convention” (referring to the UNFCCC), “Party” (referring to a country that is a signatory), and other fundamental terms. These definitions help clarify the language of the agreement, making it easier to interpret the following articles consistently.

Full Text of Article 1:

Full Text Article 1:
“For the purposes of this Agreement, the definitions contained in Article 1 of the Convention shall apply. In addition, for the purposes of this Agreement:
(a) “Convention” means the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, adopted in New York on 9 May 1992;
(b) “Conference of the Parties” means the Conference of the Parties to the Convention;
(c) “Party” means a Party to this Agreement.”

Article 2 lays out the overall purpose of the Paris Agreement. Its primary goal is to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, while striving to limit it to 1.5°C. The article also emphasizes the need to enhance the ability of countries to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and align financial flows with low-emission and climate-resilient development. This article sets the foundation for the ambitious global climate targets outlined in the agreement.

Full Text of Article 2:

Article 2:
“1. This Agreement, in enhancing the implementation of the Convention, including its objective, aims to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change, in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty, including by:
(a) Holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change;
(b) Increasing the ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development, in a manner that does not threaten food production;
(c) Making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.

2. This Agreement will be implemented to reflect equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances.”

Article 3 focuses on the commitment of each party to put forward Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that reflect their highest possible ambition. These NDCs are meant to drive national climate action and must be regularly updated every five years. The article stresses that each party’s contribution should represent progress over time and reflect the country’s evolving capabilities.

Full Text of Article 3:

Article 3:
“As nationally determined contributions to the global response to climate change, all Parties are to undertake and communicate ambitious efforts as defined in Articles 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 13 with the view to achieving the purpose of this Agreement as set out in Article 2. The efforts of all Parties will represent a progression over time, while recognizing the need to support developing country Parties for the effective implementation of this Agreement.”

Article 4 is one of the most critical sections of the Paris Agreement, as it outlines how countries will reduce their greenhouse gas emissions through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). It emphasizes the goal of peaking global emissions as soon as possible and achieving net-zero emissions in the second half of the century. It also sets a requirement for developed countries to take the lead in reducing emissions, while encouraging developing countries to enhance their efforts over time. This article also introduces the “ratcheting mechanism,” where countries must submit updated, more ambitious NDCs every five years.

Full Text of Article 4:

Article 4:
“1. In order to achieve the long-term temperature goal set out in Article 2, Parties aim to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible, recognizing that peaking will take longer for developing country Parties, and to undertake rapid reductions thereafter in accordance with best available science, so as to achieve a balance between anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century, on the basis of equity, and in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty.

2. Each Party shall prepare, communicate and maintain successive nationally determined contributions that it intends to achieve. Parties shall pursue domestic mitigation measures, with the aim of achieving the objectives of such contributions.
3. Each Party’s successive nationally determined contribution will represent a progression beyond the Party’s then current nationally determined contribution and reflect its highest possible ambition, reflecting its common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances.
4. Developed country Parties should continue taking the lead by undertaking economy-wide absolute emission reduction targets. Developing country Parties should continue enhancing their mitigation efforts, and are encouraged to move over time towards economy-wide emission reduction or limitation targets in the light of different national circumstances.
5. Support shall be provided to developing country Parties for the implementation of this Article, in accordance with Articles 9, 10, and 11, recognizing that enhanced support for developing country Parties will allow for higher ambition in their actions.
6. The least developed countries and small island developing States may prepare and communicate strategies, plans and actions for low greenhouse gas emissions development reflecting their special circumstances.
7. Mitigation co-benefits resulting from Parties’ adaptation actions and/or economic diversification plans can contribute to mitigation outcomes under this Article.
8. In communicating their nationally determined contributions, all Parties shall provide the information necessary for clarity, transparency, and understanding in accordance with decision 1/CP.21 and any relevant decisions of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement.
9. Each Party shall communicate a nationally determined contribution every five years in accordance with decision 1/CP.21 and any relevant decisions of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement, and be informed by the outcomes of the global stocktake referred to in Article 14.
10. The Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement shall consider common time frames for nationally determined contributions at its first session.
11. A Party may at any time adjust its existing nationally determined contribution with a view to enhancing its level of ambition, in accordance with guidance adopted by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement.
12. Nationally determined contributions communicated by Parties shall be recorded in a public registry maintained by the secretariat.
13. Parties shall account for their nationally determined contributions. In accounting for anthropogenic emissions and removals corresponding to their nationally determined contributions, Parties shall promote environmental integrity, transparency, accuracy, completeness, comparability and consistency, and ensure the avoidance of double counting, in accordance with guidance adopted by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement.
14. In the context of their nationally determined contributions, when recognizing and implementing mitigation actions with respect to anthropogenic emissions and removals, Parties shall take into consideration, as appropriate, existing methods and guidance under the Convention in light of the provisions of paragraph 13 of this Article.
15. Parties, including regional economic integration organizations and their member States, that have reached an agreement to act jointly under paragraph 2 of this Article, shall notify the secretariat of the terms of that agreement, including the level of emissions allocated to each Party within the relevant time period, when they communicate their nationally determined contributions. The secretariat shall in turn inform the Parties and signatories to the Convention of the terms of that agreement.
16. Each Party to such an agreement shall be responsible for its emissions level as set out in the agreement referred to in paragraph 15 of this Article in accordance with paragraphs 13 and 14 of this Article and Articles 13 and 15.
17. All Parties should strive to formulate and communicate long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies, mindful of Article 2, taking into account their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances.”

Article 5 highlights the importance of protecting and enhancing natural carbon sinks such as forests, which play a critical role in absorbing carbon dioxide. It encourages countries to take action to conserve, sustainably manage, and restore forests, as well as implement policies like REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation). The article stresses the role of these ecosystems in helping to achieve the climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement.

Full Text of Article 5:

Article 5:
“1. Parties should take action to conserve and enhance, as appropriate, sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases as referred to in Article 4, paragraph 1(d), of the Convention, including forests.

2. Parties are encouraged to take action to implement and support, including through results-based payments, the existing framework as set out in related guidance and decisions already agreed under the Convention for: policy approaches and positive incentives for activities relating to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries; and alternative policy approaches, such as joint mitigation and adaptation approaches for the integral and sustainable management of forests, while reaffirming the importance of incentivizing, as appropriate, non-carbon benefits associated with such approaches.”

Article 6 establishes frameworks for countries to cooperate in achieving their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) through both market-based mechanisms (like carbon trading) and non-market approaches. This article allows countries to voluntarily engage in activities such as carbon markets, where emission reductions can be traded between nations, encouraging collaboration and cost-effective ways to reduce global emissions. It also supports non-market approaches like technology transfer and capacity building.

Full Text of Article 6:

Article 6:
“1. Parties recognize that some Parties choose to pursue voluntary cooperation in the implementation of their nationally determined contributions to allow for higher ambition in their mitigation and adaptation actions and to promote sustainable development and environmental integrity.

2. Parties shall, where engaging on a voluntary basis in cooperative approaches that involve the use of internationally transferred mitigation outcomes towards nationally determined contributions, promote sustainable development and ensure environmental integrity and transparency, including in governance, and shall apply robust accounting to ensure, inter alia, the avoidance of double counting, consistent with guidance adopted by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement.
3. The use of internationally transferred mitigation outcomes to achieve nationally determined contributions under this Agreement shall be voluntary and authorized by participating Parties.
4. A mechanism to contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and support sustainable development is hereby established under the authority and guidance of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement and shall be supervised by a body designated by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement, and shall aim:(a) To promote the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions while fostering sustainable development;(b) To incentivize and facilitate participation in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions by public and private entities authorized by a Party;(c) To contribute to the reduction of emission levels in the host Party, which will benefit from mitigation activities resulting in emission reductions that can also be used by another Party to fulfill its nationally determined contribution; and(d) To deliver an overall mitigation in global emissions.
5. Emission reductions resulting from the mechanism referred to in paragraph 4 of this Article shall not be used to demonstrate achievement of the host Party’s nationally determined contribution if used by another Party to demonstrate achievement of its nationally determined contribution.
6. The Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement shall ensure that a share of the proceeds from activities under the mechanism referred to in paragraph 4 of this Article is used to cover administrative expenses as well as to assist developing country Parties that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change to meet the costs of adaptation.
7. The Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement shall adopt rules, modalities, and procedures for the mechanism referred to in paragraph 4 of this Article at its first session.
8. Parties recognize the importance of integrated, holistic and balanced non-market approaches being available to Parties to assist in the implementation of their nationally determined contributions, in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication, in a coordinated and effective manner, including through, inter alia, mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology transfer and capacity-building, as appropriate. These approaches shall aim to:(a) Promote mitigation and adaptation ambition;(b) Enhance public and private sector participation in the implementation of nationally determined contributions; and(c) Enable opportunities for coordination across instruments and relevant institutional arrangements.”

Article 7 focuses on adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It highlights the need for countries to enhance their adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience, and reduce vulnerability to climate change. This article calls for integrating adaptation into national planning and encourages international cooperation to support developing countries in adapting to the adverse effects of climate change. The goal is to protect lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems while promoting sustainable development.

Full Text of Article 7:

Article 7:
“1. Parties hereby establish the global goal on adaptation of enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience, and reducing vulnerability to climate change, with a view to contributing to sustainable development and ensuring an adequate adaptation response in the context of the temperature goal referred to in Article 2.

2. Parties recognize that adaptation is a global challenge faced by all with local, subnational, national, regional, and international dimensions, and that it is a key component of and makes a contribution to the long-term global response to climate change to protect people, livelihoods, and ecosystems, taking into account the urgent and immediate needs of those developing country Parties that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
3. The adaptation efforts of developing country Parties shall be recognized, in accordance with the modalities to be adopted by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement, at its first session.
4. Parties recognize that the current need for adaptation is significant and that greater levels of mitigation can reduce the need for additional adaptation efforts, and that greater adaptation needs can involve greater adaptation costs.
5. Parties acknowledge that adaptation action should follow a country-driven, gender-responsive, participatory, and fully transparent approach, taking into consideration vulnerable groups, communities, and ecosystems, and should be based on and guided by the best available science and, as appropriate, traditional knowledge, knowledge of indigenous peoples, and local knowledge systems, with a view to integrating adaptation into relevant socioeconomic and environmental policies and actions, where appropriate.
6. Parties recognize the importance of support for and international cooperation on adaptation efforts and the importance of taking into account the needs of developing country Parties, especially those that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
7. Parties should strengthen their cooperation on enhancing action on adaptation, taking into account the Cancun Adaptation Framework, including with regard to:(a) Sharing information, good practices, experiences, and lessons learned, including, as appropriate, as these relate to science, planning, policies, and implementation in relation to adaptation actions;(b) Strengthening institutional arrangements, including those under the Convention that serve this Agreement, to support the synthesis of relevant information and knowledge, and the provision of technical support and guidance to Parties;(c) Strengthening scientific knowledge on climate, including research, systematic observation of the climate system, and early warning systems, in a manner that informs climate services and supports decision-making;(d) Assisting developing country Parties to identify effective adaptation practices, needs, priorities, and challenges, and to communicate them in a transparent manner;(e) Improving the effectiveness and durability of adaptation actions.
8. United Nations specialized organizations and agencies are encouraged to support the efforts of Parties to implement the actions referred to in paragraph 7 of this Article, taking into account the provisions of paragraph 5 of this Article.
9. Each Party shall, as appropriate, engage in adaptation planning processes and the implementation of actions, including the development or enhancement of relevant plans, policies, and/or contributions, which may include:(a) The implementation of adaptation actions, undertakings, and/or efforts;(b) The process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans;(c) The assessment of climate change impacts and vulnerability, with a view to formulating nationally determined prioritized actions, taking into account vulnerable people, places, and ecosystems;(d) Monitoring and evaluating and learning from adaptation plans, policies, programs, and actions;(e) Building the resilience of socioeconomic and ecological systems, including through economic diversification and sustainable management of natural resources.
10. Each Party should, as appropriate, submit and update periodically an adaptation communication, which may include its priorities, implementation and support needs, plans, and actions, without creating any additional burden for developing country Parties.
11. The adaptation communications referred to in paragraph 10 of this Article shall be, as appropriate, submitted and updated periodically, as a component of or in conjunction with other communications or documents, including a nationally determined contribution, referred to in Article 4, and/or a national adaptation plan, referred to in Article 7, paragraph 9, as the Party finds appropriate.
12. The adaptation communications referred to in paragraph 10 of this Article shall be recorded in a public registry maintained by the secretariat.”

Article 8 focuses on addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change, particularly for vulnerable nations. It recognizes that certain impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels, may be unavoidable despite mitigation efforts. This article encourages cooperation in finding ways to minimize and address these losses, though it stops short of assigning liability or financial compensation.

Full Text of Article 8:

Article 8:
“1. Parties recognize the importance of averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change, including extreme weather events and slow onset events, and the role of sustainable development in reducing the risk of loss and damage.

2. The Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts shall be subject to the authority and guidance of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement and may be enhanced and strengthened, as determined by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement.
3. Parties should enhance understanding, action, and support, including through the Warsaw International Mechanism, as appropriate, on a cooperative and facilitative basis with respect to loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change.
4. Accordingly, areas of cooperation and facilitation to enhance understanding, action, and support may include:(a) Early warning systems;(b) Emergency preparedness;(c) Slow onset events;(d) Events that may involve irreversible and permanent loss and damage;(e) Comprehensive risk assessment and management;(f) Risk insurance facilities, climate risk pooling, and other insurance solutions;(g) Non-economic losses;(h) Resilience of communities, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
5. The Warsaw International Mechanism shall collaborate with existing bodies and expert groups under the Agreement, as well as relevant organizations and expert bodies outside the Agreement.”

Article 9 outlines the responsibility of developed countries to provide financial support to developing countries in order to help them implement mitigation and adaptation actions. It encourages developed nations to mobilize climate finance from both public and private sources and to progressively increase financial contributions over time. This article also acknowledges the need for transparency in reporting both the support provided and received.

Full Text of Article 9:

Article 9:
“1. Developed country Parties shall provide financial resources to assist developing country Parties with respect to both mitigation and adaptation in continuation of their existing obligations under the Convention.

2. Other Parties are encouraged to provide or continue to provide such support voluntarily.
3. As part of a global effort, developed country Parties should continue to take the lead in mobilizing climate finance from a wide variety of sources, instruments, and channels, noting the significant role of public funds, through a variety of actions, including supporting country-driven strategies, and taking into account the needs and priorities of developing country Parties. Such mobilization of climate finance should represent a progression beyond previous efforts.
4. The provision of scaled-up financial resources should aim to achieve a balance between adaptation and mitigation, taking into account country-driven strategies, and the priorities and needs of developing country Parties, especially those that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change and have significant capacity constraints, such as the least developed countries and small island developing States, considering the need for public and grant-based resources for adaptation.
5. Developed country Parties shall biennially communicate indicative quantitative and qualitative information related to paragraphs 1 and 3 of this Article, as applicable, including, as available, projected levels of public financial resources to be provided to developing country Parties.
6. The global stocktake referred to in Article 14 shall take into account the relevant information provided by developed country Parties and/or Agreement bodies on efforts related to climate finance.
7. Developed country Parties shall provide transparent and consistent information on support for developing country Parties provided and mobilized through public interventions biennially in accordance with requirements adopted by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement. Other Parties providing support should also provide such information.
8. The Financial Mechanism of the Convention, including its operating entities, shall serve as the financial mechanism of this Agreement.
9. The institutions serving this Agreement, including the operating entities of the Financial Mechanism of the Convention, shall aim to ensure efficient access to financial resources through simplified approval procedures and enhanced readiness support for developing country Parties, in particular for the least developed countries and small island developing States, in the context of their national climate strategies and plans.”

Article 10 emphasizes the importance of technology development and transfer in addressing climate change. It encourages all parties to strengthen cooperative action on technology innovation, development, and deployment, particularly for developing countries. This article establishes the Technology Mechanism to facilitate the support and transfer of technologies to help countries meet their climate goals. It also promotes the concept of technology frameworks to support both mitigation and adaptation actions.

Full Text of Article 10:

Article 10:
“1. Parties share a long-term vision on the importance of fully realizing technology development and transfer in order to improve resilience to climate change and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Parties, noting the importance of technology for the implementation of mitigation and adaptation actions under this Agreement, shall strengthen cooperative action on technology development and transfer.
3. The Technology Mechanism established under the Convention shall serve this Agreement.
4. A technology framework is hereby established to provide overarching guidance to the work of the Technology Mechanism in promoting and facilitating enhanced action on technology development and transfer in order to support the implementation of this Agreement, in pursuit of the long-term vision referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article.
5. Accelerating, encouraging, and enabling innovation is critical for an effective, long-term global response to climate change and promoting economic growth and sustainable development. Such effort shall be, as appropriate, supported, including by the Technology Mechanism and, through financial means, by the Financial Mechanism of the Convention, for collaborative approaches to research and development, and facilitating access to technology, in particular for early stages of the technology cycle, to developing country Parties.
6. Support, including financial support, shall be provided to developing country Parties for the implementation of this Article, including for strengthening cooperative action on technology development and transfer at different stages of the technology cycle, with a view to achieving a balance between support for mitigation and adaptation. The technology needs of developing country Parties, including capacity-building, shall be taken into account.
7. The global stocktake referred to in Article 14 shall take into account available information on efforts related to support on technology development and transfer for developing country Parties.”

Article 11 focuses on capacity-building to help developing countries enhance their ability to implement climate actions related to mitigation, adaptation, technology development, and finance. The article calls for the development of institutional capacities and the strengthening of local expertise. It emphasizes that capacity-building efforts should be country-driven, responding to the specific needs of individual countries, particularly least developed countries and small island developing states.

Full Text of Article 11:

Article 11:
“1. Capacity-building under this Agreement should enhance the capacity and ability of developing country Parties, in particular countries with the least capacity, such as the least developed countries, and those that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, such as small island developing States, to take effective climate change action, including, inter alia, to implement adaptation and mitigation actions, and should facilitate technology development, dissemination, and deployment, access to climate finance, relevant aspects of education, training, and public awareness, and the transparent, timely, and accurate communication of information.

2. Capacity-building should be country-driven, based on and responsive to national needs, and foster country ownership of Parties, in particular, for developing country Parties, including at the national, subnational, and local levels. Capacity-building should be guided by lessons learned, including those from capacity-building activities under the Convention, and should be an effective, iterative process that is participatory, cross-cutting, and gender-responsive.
3. All Parties should cooperate to enhance the capacity of developing country Parties to implement this Agreement. Developed country Parties should enhance support for capacity-building actions in developing country Parties.
4. All Parties enhancing the capacity of developing country Parties to implement this Agreement, including through regional, bilateral, and multilateral approaches, should regularly communicate on these actions or measures on capacity-building. Developing country Parties should regularly communicate progress made on implementing capacity-building plans, policies, actions, or measures to implement this Agreement.
5. Capacity-building activities shall be enhanced through appropriate institutional arrangements to support the implementation of this Agreement, including the appropriate institutional arrangements established under the Convention that serve this Agreement. The Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement shall, at its first session, consider and adopt a decision on the initial institutional arrangements for capacity-building.”

Article 12 emphasizes the importance of promoting education, training, public awareness, and public participation in addressing climate change. It highlights the role of governments in engaging and empowering people to contribute to climate action through increased awareness, information sharing, and education.

Full Text of Article 12:

Article 12:
“Parties shall cooperate in taking measures, as appropriate, to enhance climate change education, training, public awareness, public participation, and public access to information, recognizing the importance of these steps with respect to enhancing actions under this Agreement.”

Article 13 establishes a framework for transparency in the implementation of the Paris Agreement. It requires all countries to regularly report on their progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change, and providing financial and technical support (for developed nations). The article emphasizes the need for transparency, accuracy, consistency, and comparability in reporting, with flexibility provided for developing countries based on their capabilities.

Full Text of Article 13:

Article 13:
“1. In order to build mutual trust and confidence and to promote the effective implementation of this Agreement, an enhanced transparency framework for action and support, with built-in flexibility which takes into account Parties’ different capacities and builds upon collective experience is hereby established.

2. The transparency framework shall provide flexibility in the implementation of the provisions of this Article to those developing country Parties that need it in the light of their capacities. The modalities, procedures, and guidelines under paragraph 13 of this Article shall reflect such flexibility.
3. The transparency framework shall cover:(a) The provision of support under Articles 9, 10, and 11; and(b) Climate change mitigation, adaptation, and other actions under this Agreement.
4. The transparency framework shall build on and enhance the transparency arrangements under the Convention, recognizing the special circumstances of the least developed countries and small island developing States, and shall be implemented in a facilitative, non-intrusive, non-punitive manner, respectful of national sovereignty, and avoid placing undue burden on Parties.
5. The purpose of the framework for transparency of action is to provide a clear understanding of climate change action in light of the objective of the Convention as set out in its Article 2, including clarity and tracking of progress towards achieving Parties’ individual nationally determined contributions under Article 4, and Parties’ adaptation actions under Article 7, including good practices, priorities, needs, and gaps, to inform the global stocktake under Article 14.
6. The purpose of the framework for transparency of support is to provide clarity on support provided and received by relevant individual Parties in the context of climate change actions under Articles 4, 7, 9, 10, and 11, and, to the extent possible, to provide a full overview of aggregate financial support provided, to inform the global stocktake under Article 14.
7. Each Party shall regularly provide the following information:(a) A national inventory report of anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases, prepared using good practice methodologies accepted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and agreed upon by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement; and(b) Information necessary to track progress made in implementing and achieving its nationally determined contribution under Article 4.
8. Each Party should also provide information related to climate change impacts and adaptation under Article 7, as appropriate.
9. Developed country Parties shall, and other Parties that provide support should, provide information on financial, technology transfer, and capacity-building support provided to developing country Parties under Articles 9, 10, and 11.
10. Developing country Parties should provide information on financial, technology transfer, and capacity-building support needed and received under Articles 9, 10, and 11.
11. Information submitted by each Party under paragraphs 7 and 9 of this Article shall undergo a technical expert review, in accordance with decision 1/CP.21. For those developing country Parties that need it in the light of their capacities, the review process shall include assistance in identifying capacity-building needs. In addition, each Party shall participate in a facilitative, multilateral consideration of progress with respect to efforts under Article 9, and its respective implementation and achievement of its nationally determined contribution.
12. The technical expert review under this paragraph shall consist of consideration of the Party’s support provided, as relevant, and its implementation and achievement of its nationally determined contribution. The review process shall pay particular attention to the respective national capabilities and circumstances of developing country Parties.
13. The Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement shall, at its first session, building on experience from the arrangements related to transparency under the Convention, and elaborating on the provisions in this Article, adopt common modalities, procedures, and guidelines, as appropriate, for the transparency of action and support.
14. Support shall be provided to developing countries for the implementation of this Article.
15. Support shall also be provided for the building of transparency-related capacity of developing country Parties on a continuous basis.”

Article 14 establishes a process called the global stocktake, which is designed to assess the collective progress of all countries toward achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. This assessment takes place every five years and reviews mitigation, adaptation, and the provision of support (finance, technology, and capacity-building). The aim is to evaluate global efforts and encourage countries to enhance their climate actions based on the results.

Full Text of Article 14:

Article 14:
“1. The Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement shall periodically take stock of the implementation of this Agreement to assess the collective progress towards achieving the purpose of this Agreement and its long-term goals (referred to as the global stocktake). It shall do so in a comprehensive and facilitative manner, considering mitigation, adaptation, and the means of implementation and support, and in the light of equity and the best available science.

2. The Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement shall undertake its first global stocktake in 2023 and every five years thereafter unless otherwise decided by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement.
3. The outcome of the global stocktake shall inform Parties in updating and enhancing, in a nationally determined manner, their actions and support in accordance with the relevant provisions of this Agreement, as well as in enhancing international cooperation for climate action.”

Article 15 establishes a mechanism to facilitate implementation of and promote compliance with the provisions of the Paris Agreement. This mechanism is designed to be non-punitive, facilitative, and transparent, with a committee responsible for ensuring countries fulfill their obligations under the Agreement, while taking into account the specific national circumstances of each Party.

Full Text of Article 15:

Article 15:
“1. A mechanism to facilitate implementation of and promote compliance with the provisions of this Agreement is hereby established.

2. The mechanism referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall consist of a committee that shall be expert-based and facilitative in nature and function in a manner that is transparent, non-adversarial, and non-punitive. The committee shall pay particular attention to the respective national capabilities and circumstances of Parties.
3. The committee shall operate under the modalities and procedures adopted by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement at its first session and report annually to the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement.”

Article 16 defines the structure and functions of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA). The CMA is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Paris Agreement and making decisions to ensure its effective operation. All Parties to the Agreement are members of the CMA, and it will meet regularly to assess progress and make necessary adjustments.

Full Text of Article 16:

Article 16:
“1. The Conference of the Parties, the supreme body of the Convention, shall serve as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement.

2. Parties to the Convention that are not Parties to this Agreement may participate as observers in the proceedings of any session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement. When the Conference of the Parties serves as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement, decisions under this Agreement shall be taken only by those that are Parties to this Agreement.
3. When the Conference of the Parties serves as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement, any member of the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties representing a Party to the Convention but, at that time, not a Party to this Agreement, shall be substituted by an additional member to be elected by and from among the Parties to this Agreement.
4. The Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement shall keep under regular review the implementation of this Agreement and shall make, within its mandate, the decisions necessary to promote its effective implementation. It shall perform the functions assigned to it by this Agreement and shall:(a) Establish such subsidiary bodies as deemed necessary for the implementation of this Agreement; and(b) Exercise such other functions as may be required for the implementation of this Agreement.
5. The rules of procedure of the Conference of the Parties and the financial procedures of the Convention shall be applied mutatis mutandis under this Agreement, except as may be otherwise decided by consensus by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement.
6. The first session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement shall be convened by the secretariat in conjunction with the first session of the Conference of the Parties that is scheduled after the date of entry into force of this Agreement. Subsequent ordinary sessions of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement shall be held every year in conjunction with ordinary sessions of the Conference of the Parties, unless otherwise decided by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement.
7. Extraordinary sessions of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement shall be held at such other times as may be deemed necessary by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement, or at the written request of any Party, provided that, within six months of the request being communicated to the Parties by the secretariat, it is supported by at least one third of the Parties.
8. The United Nations and its specialized agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as any State member thereof or observers thereto not Party to the Convention, may be represented at sessions of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement as observers. Any body or agency, whether national or international, governmental or non-governmental, which is qualified in matters covered by this Agreement and which has informed the secretariat of its wish to be represented at a session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement as an observer, may be so admitted unless at least one third of the Parties present object. The admission and participation of observers shall be subject to the rules of procedure referred to in paragraph 5 of this Article.”

Article 17 outlines the role of the secretariat in supporting the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The secretariat, which operates under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is responsible for administrative functions such as organizing meetings, coordinating communication between parties, and ensuring the smooth execution of the Agreement’s processes.

Full Text of Article 17:

Article 17:
“1. The secretariat established by Article 8 of the Convention shall serve as the secretariat of this Agreement.

2. Article 8, paragraph 2, of the Convention on the functions of the secretariat, and Article 8, paragraph 3, of the Convention on arrangements made for the functioning of the secretariat, shall apply mutatis mutandis to this Agreement. The secretariat shall, in addition, exercise the functions assigned to it under this Agreement and by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement.”

Article 18 addresses the procedures for dispute resolution between parties under the Paris Agreement. It refers back to the dispute settlement mechanisms established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This article ensures that if any disagreements arise regarding the interpretation or implementation of the Agreement, they will be resolved using established procedures.

Full Text of Article 18:

Article 18:
“1. The provisions of Article 14 of the Convention on settlement of disputes shall apply mutatis mutandis to this Agreement.

2. The Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement shall, as soon as practicable, develop and adopt further modalities and procedures for the effective operation of the mechanism referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article.”

Article 19 clarifies the relationship between the Paris Agreement and the subsidiary bodies established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These subsidiary bodies, including those responsible for scientific and technical advice and implementation, will serve the Paris Agreement as they do for the UNFCCC.

Full Text of Article 19:

Article 19:
“1. The Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation established by Articles 9 and 10 of the Convention shall serve as, respectively, the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation of this Agreement. The functioning of these two bodies with respect to this Agreement shall be governed by the relevant provisions of the Convention relating to their functioning, mutatis mutandis.

2. The sessions of the meetings of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation of this Agreement shall be held in conjunction with the sessions of the meetings of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation of the Convention, respectively, unless otherwise decided by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to this Agreement.”

Article 20 explains how countries can officially join the Paris Agreement. Countries that are already part of the United Nations climate convention can sign the Agreement and then agree to follow its rules. The Agreement will officially start when at least 55 countries, representing at least 55% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions, have agreed to it. Once that happens, it will take effect 30 days later.

Article 20:
“1. This Agreement shall be open for signature and subject to ratification, acceptance, or approval by States and regional economic integration organizations that are Parties to the Convention. It shall be open for signature at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 22 April 2016 to 21 April 2017. Thereafter, this Agreement shall be open for accession by such States or regional economic integration organizations.

2. This Agreement shall enter into force on the thirtieth day after the date on which at least 55 Parties to the Convention accounting in total for at least an estimated 55 per cent of the total global greenhouse gas emissions have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession.
3. For each State or regional economic integration organization that ratifies, accepts, or approves this Agreement or accedes thereto after the conditions set out in paragraph 2 of this Article for entry into force have been fulfilled, this Agreement shall enter into force on the thirtieth day after the date of deposit by such State or regional economic integration organization of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession.
4. For the purposes of paragraph 2 of this Article, “the total global greenhouse gas emissions” means the most up-to-date amount communicated on or before the date of adoption of this Agreement by the Parties to the Convention.”

Article 21 explains when the Paris Agreement will start working for each country. Once a country officially agrees to the Agreement, the rules and goals of the Agreement will begin to apply to that country after 30 days. This article makes sure that countries know when their commitment to the Paris Agreement takes effect.

Full Text of Article 21:

Article 21:
“1. This Agreement shall enter into force on the thirtieth day after the date on which at least 55 Parties to the Convention accounting in total for at least an estimated 55 per cent of the total global greenhouse gas emissions have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession.

2. For each State or regional economic integration organization that ratifies, accepts, or approves this Agreement or accedes thereto after the conditions set out in paragraph 1 of this Article for entry into force have been fulfilled, this Agreement shall enter into force on the thirtieth day after the date of deposit by such State or regional economic integration organization of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession.
3. For the purposes of paragraph 1 of this Article, “the total global greenhouse gas emissions” means the most up-to-date amount communicated on or before the date of adoption of this Agreement by the Parties to the Convention.”

Article 22 talks about the changes in leadership for the Paris Agreement. If a country is part of the Conference of the Parties (which helps oversee the climate rules) but has not yet joined the Paris Agreement, they won’t be able to vote on decisions related to the Paris Agreement. This ensures that only countries that are part of the Agreement can make decisions about how it works.

Full Text of Article 22:

Article 22:
“The provisions of Article 16, paragraph 3, of the Convention on the right to vote shall apply mutatis mutandis to this Agreement.”

Article 23 explains the role of the United Nations Secretary-General in handling official paperwork for the Paris Agreement. The Secretary-General is responsible for receiving, keeping, and sharing important documents related to countries joining or leaving the Agreement. This helps ensure that everything is organized and communicated properly.

Full Text of Article 23:

Article 23:
“The Secretary-General of the United Nations shall be the Depositary of this Agreement and of any instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession.”

Article 24 explains that international law rules will be followed when handling any legal documents or agreements related to the Paris Agreement. This ensures that all official paperwork is processed according to well-established legal standards.

Full Text of Article 24:

Article 24:
“The provisions of Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations shall apply to this Agreement.”

Article 25 explains how a country can make changes to the Paris Agreement or propose changes in the future. It says that if a country wants to suggest changes, they can do so three years after the Agreement takes effect for them. This provides a clear process for updating or improving the Agreement over time.

Full Text of Article 25:

Article 25:
“1. No reservations may be made to this Agreement.

2. Any Party may propose an amendment to this Agreement at any time after three years from the date on which this Agreement has entered into force for that Party.”

Article 26 explains the process for a country to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. A country must wait at least three years after the Agreement takes effect before it can begin the process of leaving. Once a country officially announces its withdrawal, it will take one year for the withdrawal to be completed.

Full Text of Article 26:

Article 26:
“1. At any time after three years from the date on which this Agreement has entered into force for a Party, that Party may withdraw from this Agreement by giving written notification to the Depositary.

2. Any such withdrawal shall take effect upon expiry of one year from the date of receipt by the Depositary of the notification of withdrawal, or on such later date as may be specified in the notification of withdrawal.
3. Any Party that withdraws from the Convention shall be considered as also having withdrawn from this Agreement.”

Article 27 states that no reservations can be made to the Paris Agreement. This means that countries cannot join the Agreement with special exceptions or conditions—they must agree to follow all parts of the Agreement as it is written.

Full Text of Article 27:

Article 27:
“No reservations may be made to this Agreement.”

Article 28 explains that the Paris Agreement will be available in six official languages of the United Nations: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. Each version of the Agreement in these languages is equally valid.

Full Text of Article 28:

Article 28:
“The original of this Agreement, of which the Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish texts are equally authentic, shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.”

Article 29 simply states that the official documents and agreements related to the Paris Agreement will be kept by the Secretary-General of the United Nations. These documents will be the originals that record which countries have joined or made decisions about the Agreement.

Full Text of Article 29:

Article 29:
“The Secretary-General of the United Nations is designated as the Depositary of this Agreement.”