A decade after Paris, new work programme drives stronger, more coordinated climate action

Almost ten years ago, the Paris Agreement changed the politics of climate change. It moved away from a system of top-down targets and introduced a more flexible framework based on national plans, voluntary commitments and shared goals. This approach opened space for cities, regions, businesses, investors, and civil society to contribute more directly. It also revitalized international cooperation and helped broaden the base of global climate action.

Since then, climate action has expanded dramatically. Companies have set net zero targets and cities have launched local adaptation and resilience programmes. Indigenous communities have restored damaged ecosystems, and financial institutions have begun shifting capital. Across sectors and regions, the number of initiatives has grown to support national policymaking.

But the experience of the past decade has shown that while the framework has broadened participation and resulted in significant progress, it has not resolved the need for stronger coordination, clearer delivery, and more consistent support to accelerate even further action in all corners of the world. Many initiatives continue to operate in isolation, with limited mechanisms to understand collective progress or connect efforts across sectors.

To address this, the Climate High-Level Champions and the Marrakech Partnership have launched a work programme focused on aligning the climate action already underway across the systems we all rely on. This programme forms the operational backbone of the newly launched Brazilian COP30 Action Agenda that brings existing efforts into sharper focus around 30 shared objectives aligned with the Global Stocktake - the UN’s official “report card” on climate progress.

At its heart is the Brazilian principle of mutirão, a tradition of collective effort that calls on everyone to roll up their sleeves, pool their resources, and work together to deliver change. The work programme not only guides delivery in the leadup to COP30, it also serves as a springboard for a broader consultative process with Parties to the UNFCCC and non-State actors, helping to guide the next five years of the Global Climate Action Agenda.

The COP30 Action Agenda objectives are grouped into six core ‘axes’: transitioning energy, industry and transport; stewarding forests, oceans and biodiversity; transforming agriculture and food systems; building resilience for cities, infrastructure and water; and fostering human and social development. There is also a cross-cutting focus on enablers like finance, technology and capacity-building. Objectives range from tripling renewable energy capacity and halting deforestation to achieving universal access to clean cooking and ensuring safe, sustainable and equitable water systems.

The effort is closely linked to national planning processes across the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. By aligning voluntary initiatives with official Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), the work programme aims to bridge global ambition and local delivery — ensuring that climate action is not only bolder, but better coordinated across levels of government and areas of society.

The work programme is additionally designed to support delivery where it matters most by amplifying effective approaches and helping actors across the climate ecosystem understand how their work connects across the systems that drive daily life. Each objective is supported by Activation Groups, made up of initiatives already working in that space. These groups are responsible for identifying barriers, coordinating delivery efforts, sharing practical solutions and reporting progress.

To ensure local breakthroughs become global solutions, each Activation Group will contribute to a “Granary of Solutions” — a collection of proven approaches that others can adopt or adapt.

Groups and initiatives currently contributing to the shared objectives are encouraged to register through the UNFCCC Global Climate Action Portal and explore opportunities to participate in relevant Activation Groups. Progress will be shared throughout the year and reviewed at COP30 in Belém, as part of a broader effort to shape a more coherent, accountable and durable approach to climate action.

Read the Climate High-Level Champions and the Marrakech Partnership work programme for 2025.