UN Climate Change Research and Insights
Explore WRI’s research on the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, including past projects on transparency, accountability and climate policy — from foundational agreement design to ongoing work on national climate plans, long-term strategies and developing country priorities.
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, brings together 195 nations to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees C and pursue efforts to stay within 1.5 degrees C. It also strengthens countries’ ability to adapt to climate impacts and provides enhanced support to assist developing nations in addressing climate challenges. Between 2014 and 2019, WRI conducted research to support the design and adoption of the Paris Agreement and to inform the development of the rules underpinning its operation. WRI continues to work in this space, encouraging countries to enhance nationally determined contribution (NDC) ambition and better design and adopt long-term strategies (LTS), while amplifying the voices of developing and climate-vulnerable countries within UN negotiations. Foundational resources from earlier projects remain available here alongside this ongoing work.
Research Initiatives
Navigating the Paris Rulebook
WRI's guide to the Paris Rulebook — what it is, what it includes and why it is important — as well as an overview of the Rulebook’s various elements, the key decisions made in Poland and the process moving forward.
Part of Climate
Long-Term Climate Strategies
Setting countries on the path to net-zero emissions and a more prosperous future
Part of Climate
Allied for Climate Transformation
Allied for Climate Transformation is a consortium that aims to elevate the voices and priorities of climate-vulnerable countries at UN climate negotiations.
Part of Climate
ACT 2015 (Completed)
The Agreement for Climate Transformation (ACT 2015) was a WRI-led consortium that developed a proposal for the design of an international climate agreement to catalyze climate action and move the world onto a low-carbon and climate resilient pathway.
Part of Climate
Project for Advancing Climate Transparency (PACT) (Completed)
Advancing transparency and accountability under the Paris Agreement
Part of Climate