Recognizing the need for global cooperation
Ultimately, multilateralism is essential to achieving climate goals. This is because climate is by its very essence a global problem. However, at present, geopolitical and economic forces are hollowing out the foundations that multilateralism requires: strong state regulatory and redistributive capacities, trust (in institutions, in science), and shared public purpose. Instead, political sentiment is shifting towards national security, competition and short-term interests.
The 2025 Emissions Gap report affirms that pursuing the 1.5C temperature goal is a legal, moral and political obligation for governments, linking climate change to human rights. In this regard, the Paris Agreement creates an essential political architecture and common language that was unprecedented in 2015. However, without shared responsibility and political will, climate commitments risk remaining aspirational rather than enforceable.
The myth of Sisyphus can be seen as a testament to human endurance in the face of adversity. But if the decade since the Paris Agreement teaches us anything, it is that persistence without structural change is futile. To meet the challenges of the next 10 years, states must rebuild trust in multilateralism, strengthen systems of climate accountability, and champion just transition frameworks that link climate mitigation and adaptation to social equity. Sisyphus alone could not push the boulder, but through global solidarity we might finally get it to the top.
