The Paris Agreement, which was adopted at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP 21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in December 2015, is not a legally binding agreement. Instead, it is a political agreement that sets a framework for countries to work together to combat climate change.

While the Paris Agreement is not a legally binding agreement, it does have legal implications. First and foremost, it is a statement of intent by the world`s governments to take action to limit global temperature increases to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. It also sets out a process for countries to periodically review and increase their commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to its political significance, the Paris Agreement has also had legal implications in some countries. For example, in the United States, the Obama Administration treated the Paris Agreement as an executive agreement rather than a treaty, which allowed it to be implemented without the need for Senate ratification. However, the Trump Administration subsequently announced its intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, prompting legal challenges from states and environmental groups.

Despite the legal complexities surrounding the Paris Agreement, its importance in the global effort to combat climate change cannot be overstated. By providing a framework for international cooperation and setting ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Agreement has catalyzed action by governments, businesses, and civil society around the world. As the impacts of climate change become increasingly severe, it is clear that the Paris Agreement will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the global response to this urgent challenge.