Season 4 Ep 5 - Is the Paris Agreement fit for purpose?

Multilateral treaties underpin so much of what's needed to achieve climate and sustainability goals, but few understand the complexities of international treaties or the real challenges of global cooperation.

Nearly 200 nations with different economic and geopolitical interests have to negotiate emissions cuts, financial responsibilities, commitments and strategies for how to achieve their goals. Is it any wonder that most of us look at the annual climate meetings and wonder why progress is so slow?

This week Felicia talks to Dr. Harald Heubaum, chair of the Centre for Energy and Climate Policy at SOAS, University of London about the Paris Agreement, the challenges it faces and the potential for change.  Corporate and local action has a critical role to play, as these international treaties change the norms underpinning how we are expected to behave. 

We unpack the obstacles businesses face in meeting climate goals and the solutions that can drive meaningful change. With the US pulling out of the Paris Agreement for the second time, we explore the role of local action, from states and cities, to corporations and citizens.

Reading materials:

Breaking Barriers Toward a Net-Zero Economy

5 Challenges the UNFCCC Must Overcome To Spur Climate Action

How Businesses Can Achieve Net-Zero Goals

Global Climate Agreements: Successes and Failures

30 Years of International Climate Negotiations: Are They Still Our Best Hope?

Corporations and Climate Change: An Overview

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