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In November 2015, nations met in Paris to negotiate an international agreement to limit greenhouse-gas emissions. Nature tracked the run-up to the twenty-first meeting of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which produced a historic global accord.
Leaders must come together on a solid agreement at the United Nations climate conference — and then get to work at home by meeting commitments and finding new ways to reduce emissions.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has done much to alert politicians to the effects of global warming. But to push climate change up the agenda, it will need to do the same for the public.
Climate scientists are tiring of governance that does not lead to action. But democracy must not be weakened in the fight against global warming, warns Nico Stehr.
Cities need to understand and manage their carbon footprint at the level of streets, buildings and communities, urge Kevin Robert Gurney and colleagues.
Make wind and solar power even cheaper by opening up access to the electricity grid and ending fossil-fuel subsidies, urge Gernot Wagner and colleagues.
Gathering data that answer particular questions is the most effective way to support the Sustainable Development Goals, say Keith Shepherd and colleagues.
Average global temperature is not a good indicator of planetary health. Track a range of vital signs instead, urge David G. Victor and Charles F. Kennel.