This is followed by a history of international climate diplomacy from the 1992 Rio conference to the 2015 Paris climate summit, with an emphasis on the 2009 Copenhagen summit that laid the foundation for the Paris Agreement. Thereafter, we assess the potential and limitations of the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions before offering an analysis of what this agreement means for future international cooperation and effective policy response to climate change. We conclude by examining the prospect for global de-carbonization and offer policy recommendations. Ultimately effectiveness, however, depends on how the Paris Agreement is able to fulfil the objectives of the agreement, where the temperature target provides the clearest measure of success.