COP 21: 12 things we've learnt from the Paris Summit so far

clock

From James Hansen's blasting of UK fracking plans to the COP21 meditation room, it has been an eventful few days

The first few days of the Paris Climate Summit have been remarkably eventful, with world leaders signalling their support for an ambitious deal, the French hosts pioneering a new approach to the negotiations, and businesses from the world announcing a raft of climate commitments.

BusinessGreen takes a look at some of the key developments so far:

1. World leaders want a deal.

More than 150 heads of state and government came to Paris for the start of the UN climate talks, including David Cameron, US President Obama, Germany's Angela Merkel and leaders from countries as far flung as Mongolia and Tuvalu. The gathering has already gone down in history as the largest number of world leaders ever to meet in one place on a single day. However, it took some logistical skill to allow them all to give a short speech with leaders speaking simultaneously in two rooms. Even Cameron felt the need to comment on the wait when he finally got round to making a speech planned for mid afternoon at some point in the early evening.

2. Public engagement is obvious.

Organisers of 2,300 marches, protests and events across 175 countries in the weekend before the talks kicked off now estimate 785,000 people took part worldwide in the call for stronger climate action.

3. The pressure is definitely on the negotiators to strike a deal.

Diplomats and ministers have been told the eyes of the world are on them, and some of the language being used about climate change is verging on the apocalyptic. Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales evoked Churchill's description of Battle of Britain fighter pilots when he said: "Rarely in human history have so many people around the world placed their trust in so few", adding the deliberations will decide the fate not only of those alive today, but of future generations.

4. The Summit is not just about delivering the Paris Agreement

A series of initiatives are being announced to get the talks off to a strong start, including a move launched by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to improve the resilience of the most vulnerable countries to climate change impacts, a boost to clean energy innovation from billionaire investors and governments, and an international solar alliance led by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi.

5. You can build an Eiffel Tower out of chairs.

One of the many installations around the conference venue has seen the Eiffel Tower recreated from chairs, along with colourful animal sculptures, pictures made from plants and some "wind trees", with leaves that are little turbines.

6. Tackling deforestation is increasingly a priority for governments. 

Loss of forests each year accounts for around 11 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions, and the Prince of the Wales warned there is no plan B to tackle climate change if we don't save our forests. A number of governments have come forward with funding for new forest programmes.

More on Policy

WWF: Climate policies can cut bills, lift people out of fuel poverty, and drive growth

WWF: Climate policies can cut bills, lift people out of fuel poverty, and drive growth

Report set outs package of reforms to remove policy costs from electricity bills, offer renters access to clean energy, and incentivise sustainable farming

Stuart Stone
clock 25 August 2026 • 4 min read
Government to give Mayors greater power over planning decisions

Government to give Mayors greater power over planning decisions

Mayors across England to be given authority to 'call in' local council planning decisions, in latest move designed to green light more housing and infrastructure projects

James Murray
clock 24 August 2026 • 2 min read
Government urged to develop new roadmap to 'defossilise' UK economy

Government urged to develop new roadmap to 'defossilise' UK economy

Experts argue that regardless of decision on controversial North Sea drilling projects, the government should develop a clearer roadmap for the UK's transition away from fossil fuels

James Murray
clock 21 August 2026 • 4 min read