Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement aims to mitigate global warming by reducing greenhouse emissions.

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What is it?

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty established to address climate change and its negative impacts. Adopted on December 12, 2015, during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris, France, it aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Key features of the Paris Agreement include:

  1. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Each country is required to set and periodically update its climate action plans, known as NDCs, which outline their commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  2. Global Stocktake: The agreement establishes a framework for countries to evaluate their collective progress towards achieving the long-term goals every five years, allowing for adjustments in commitments.
  3. Financial Support: Developed countries are urged to provide financial resources to help developing nations in their efforts to combat climate change.
  4. Transparency and Accountability: Countries must report on their emissions and progress towards their NDCs, with a focus on transparency to hold nations accountable.
  5. Long-term Goals: The agreement aims to strengthen the global response to climate change by promoting efforts to develop low greenhouse gas emissions and resilient economies.

The Paris Agreement signifies a global commitment to combat climate change and represents the largest effort by the international community to take action in order to mitigate its effects. As of now, nearly all countries in the world have ratified the agreement.

Who is it for?

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that aims to address climate change and its impacts. It was adopted in December 2015 with the objective of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and further making efforts to restrict the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The agreement has a broad scope, involving the following stakeholders:

All Nations

The Paris Agreement involves nearly every country in the world, urging them to set and attain their individual climate goals, also known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Governments and Policymakers

The Agreement provides a framework that enables governments to form policies and implement measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development.

Businesses and Industry

It makes a strong case for innovation and investment in clean technologies and sustainable practices within the business and industrial sectors.

Civil Society and Communities

The Paris Agreement also seeks to engage individuals, NGOs, and community organizations in climate action and awareness-raising activities.

Future Generations

Ultimately, the goal of the Agreement is to protect the planet for future generations by mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

If you need specific details about a person or organization associated with the Paris Agreement, kindly provide that information or context.

When was it introduced?

The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris, France. The agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016, following its ratification by at least 55 countries representing at least 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The Paris Agreement has been updated and enhanced through various decisions made at subsequent COP meetings, particularly during the Koronivia joint work on agriculture and the Talanoa Dialogue process that took place in 2018.

Additionally, countries are encouraged to submit updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs) every five years, with the first round of updates occurring by 2020. Ongoing updates and discussions continue as nations assess their progress and ambitions in addressing climate change.

Why is it important?

The Paris Agreement is important because it represents a global commitment to combat climate change and limit global warming. Here are several key reasons highlighting its significance:

  • Global Collaboration: The Paris Agreement unites nearly every country in a shared effort to address climate change, fostering international cooperation and collaboration. It emphasizes that climate change is a global issue requiring collective action.
  • Temperature Goals: The agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This goal is crucial for reducing the severe impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Countries are required to set and regularly update their own climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions. This approach allows for flexibility and encourages nations to take ownership of their climate commitments.
  • Adaptation and Resilience: The agreement not only focuses on mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) but also emphasizes the importance of adaptation and enhancing resilience to the impacts of climate change, particularly for vulnerable communities.
  • Financial Support: The Paris Agreement recognizes the need for financial and technological support to assist developing countries in their climate efforts, promoting equity and justice in climate action.
  • Long-Term Commitment: It establishes a long-term framework for addressing climate change, encouraging countries to aim for net-zero emissions by the second half of the century.

Overall, the Paris Agreement serves as a crucial milestone in the global fight against climate change, aiming for a sustainable future for both people and the planet.

What do organisations need to do?

To comply with the Paris Agreement, organizations can take the following steps:

  1. Understand the Agreement: Familiarize themselves with the key goals of the Paris Agreement, which includes limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
  2. Assess Carbon Footprint: Conduct a thorough assessment of their greenhouse gas emissions. This involves measuring current emissions across their operations and supply chains.
  3. Set Science-Based Targets: Establish science-based targets for reducing emissions, aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Organizations can seek guidance from the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure their targets are in line with climate science.
  4. Develop a Sustainability Strategy: Create a comprehensive sustainability strategy that incorporates emission reductions, renewable energy, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing.
  5. Invest in Renewable Energy: Transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, or hydropower, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
  6. Implement Energy Efficiency Measures: Introduce energy-saving initiatives and technologies within their operations to reduce energy consumption and emissions.
  7. Engage Supply Chains: Work with suppliers and partners to encourage them to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their emissions, fostering a collaborative approach to sustainability.
  8. Monitor and Report Progress: Regularly track progress against targets and report on emissions and sustainability efforts transparently, either through sustainability reports or other platforms.
  9. Embrace Innovation and Technology: Invest in new technologies that can help reduce emissions, including carbon capture and storage, advanced manufacturing processes, and sustainable materials.
  10. Educate and Engage Employees: Foster a culture of sustainability within the organization by training employees and encouraging them to participate in sustainability initiatives.
  11. Advocate for Climate Policy: Engage in policy advocacy to support national and international climate initiatives that align with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
  12. Participate in Carbon Markets: Explore participation in carbon markets or offset programs to compensate for unavoidable emissions.

By taking these steps, organizations can not only comply with the Paris Agreement but also contribute to global efforts in combating climate change and promoting sustainability.

What are the benefits?

Aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement offers substantial benefits to businesses. These include:

Increased Investor Confidence

Businesses aligning with the Paris Agreement�s climate goals are more likely to attract investors focused on sustainable and responsible investment, enhancing access to climate-conscious capital.

Reduced Regulatory Risk

By adhering to the Paris Agreement�s targets, businesses can stay ahead of evolving environmental regulations, reducing the risk of compliance issues and potential penalties.

Competitive Advantage

Businesses that commit to carbon reduction and sustainability targets position themselves as leaders in their industries, gaining a competitive edge as consumers and stakeholders increasingly prioritise sustainability.

Cost Savings Through Efficiency

Aligning with the Paris Agreement encourages businesses to adopt energy-efficient practices, leading to significant cost savings through reduced energy consumption and waste.

Future-proofing Against Climate Risks

Businesses that align with the Paris Agreement are better equipped to manage physical risks associated with climate change, such as extreme weather events, supply chain disruptions, and resource scarcity.

New Market Opportunities

The shift towards a low-carbon economy creates opportunities for businesses to innovate and access new markets in renewable energy, green technologies, and sustainable products.

Our consultants

Our results

Using independent sustainability consultants with Leafr just makes sense

3x

More cost effective

Clients report significant savings compared to alternative hiring approaches

Lower Risks
48 hrs

Hiring time

We will find you the best person for the role in record time

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We offer a risk-free trial period on every project. Not satisfied? Find someone else for free

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Here’s what our customers say

Hear how our vetted sustainability consultants have driven meaningful change for our clients

Good communication, flexible schedule and delivered exactly what was agreed and on time. Would work with her again!

Alexander Pfeiffer
CEO
at
Terralytiq

Tom helped us with calculating our carbon footprint outputs from 2019 to 2023. He managed everything end to end with minimal client direction. It was seamless and effortless. He's an excellent professional.

Bolu
COO
at
Miai

The support's been great from when we first started speaking, you wrote the brief for me and did all the sourcing. So that was fantastic. Communication has been great. The level of engagement has been brilliant.

Nick Anderdon
CFO
at
Freddies Flowers

‍Working with Leafr has been a pleasure from the beginning. Leafr has a wide network of talented individuals, and they have been able to seamlessly connect us with strong candidates for our various projects.

Lara
Partner
at
Xynteo

Leafr's marketplace boasts an extensive network of highly talented individuals. They have effortlessly connected us with great candidates. Leafr has become our go-to for skilled sustainability professionals.

Brenan Hodkinson
CRO
at
Apiday

Whenever you hire consultants you worry whether they'll be as motivated or skilled as your team. Every Leafr consultant has been so impressive. We spoke to several sustainability agencies and this has been far better value.

Guadalupe Oliver
CEO
at
Candoe

Our expert immediately became a seamless addition to our team. Her work showed a mastery of ESG and a strong understanding of the financial sector. We'd love the opportunity to work with her again.

Jess Katz
Director
at
TRIPTIK

What you get by working with us

When you work with Leafr, we make sure to deliver - every time.

Flexibility

Flexibility

We adapt to your needs, offering tailored solutions that evolve as your sustainability goals and challenges change.

Quality

Quality

We don’t compromise. We connect you with specialists who deliver exceptional work, ensuring every project meets the highest standards.

Value

Value

We maximise impact while keeping costs low, ensuring you get exceptional results within your budget, with a clear focus on return on investment.

Commitment - Workplace X Webflow Template

Commitment

Your mission becomes ours. We’re dedicated to supporting you from start to finish, no matter the complexity or duration.

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Ownership

We take responsibility for our work, proactively managing projects and driving outcomes that align with your vision.

The values that drive everything we do

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Flexibility

Flexibility

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Quality

Quality

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Value

Value

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Commitment - Workplace X Webflow Template

Commitment

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Ownership - Workplace X Webflow Template

Ownership

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Our consultants have delivered for the best across industries

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Construction & Real Estate
Place for People
Construction & Real Estate
Foster and Partners
Construction & Real Estate
Battersea Powerstation
Banking and Investment
Clarien
Banking and Investment
Tokoro Capital
Construction & Real Estate
Broll
Construction & Real Estate
Hilti Group
Banking and Investment
M&G
Banking and Investment
IP Group
Banking and Investment
UBS
Banking and Investment
Morgan Stanley
Banking and Investment
Apex
Banking and Investment
JP Morgan
Banking and Investment
Planet A Ventures
Banking and Investment
Natwest
Banking and Investment
Triodos Bank
Banking and Investment
Sustainable Ventures
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Our vetting process

Each applicant must pass our stringent vetting process before working with clients. Only those meeting our high standards are accepted. We test for behavioural competency, technical skills,  sustainability experience, and culture fit.

20% pass rate

In-depth skill review

Each consultant submits a written application along with case studies of their work. This ensures they have the specialised technical skills to tackle your sustainability challenges.

12% pass rate

Live screening

We interview each candidate for behavioural and technical skills, and test against our detailed  sustainability skillset matrix. We also ask for references and testimonials.

3% pass rate

Test projects & peer review

With the help of our experts, we review past projects to verify the consultant’s ability to deliver impactful sustainability outcomes.

Need help with your sustainability initiatives?

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How it works

Go from search to hire in as little as 48 hrs.

Project

1. Create project

Post your job description or work with us to write one on your behalf

Talent

2. See the best profiles

No more sifting through 100s of CVs. See a shortlist of the best 3-5 consultants within hours.

Interview

3. Interview & start project

Hire your favourite candidate and start working. There is a risk-free trial period on each project.

Frequently asked questions

Hiring a sustainability consultant can be a daunting process. Here we answer some of the common concerns we hear.

Will the consultant be available when I need them?

Leafr consultants are committed to your project�s success. We ensure they have the availability you need, and our support team is on hand to address any urgent requirements. Our consultants are trusted by top organisations because of their reliability and commitment.

How will you handle our sensitive or confidential information?

Confidentiality is a top priority at Leafr. All consultants sign strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and are trained to handle sensitive information with the utmost care, ensuring your business data remains secure. This is part of why organisations worldwide trust our consultants.

What if the consultant pushes solutions that are too expensive to implement?

Leafr consultants focus on providing cost-effective, practical solutions. They work within your budget constraints and prioritise recommendations that offer the most value without unnecessary expenditure. We offer a risk-free period so you can evaluate their proposals without financial risk.

Will working with a consultant disrupt our current operations?

Our consultants are skilled at integrating smoothly into existing operations. They work with minimal disruption, focusing on enhancing your processes rather than interrupting them. Their experience with top organisations ensures a seamless fit into your team.

I'm worried the consultant might leave the project halfway through.

Continuity is ensured through our rigorous project management oversight. Leafr consultants are committed professionals, and we have contingency plans in place to guarantee that your project will be completed even if unforeseen circumstances arise. Our 100% project satisfaction rating is a testament to our reliability.

I'm worried about committing long-term just to see results.

Leafr offers flexible engagement options. Whether you need short-term assistance or long-term support, we tailor our services to match your desired commitment level. Our risk-free period allows you to explore these options without long-term obligations.

What happens if the consultant becomes unavailable or the project gets delayed?

We have a robust network of consultants, so if any unexpected issues arise, we can quickly provide an equally qualified replacement to keep your project on track. Leafr�s support team is always available to manage and mitigate any potential delays. We also offer a risk-free period to give you peace of mind.

Is the cost-benefit ratio of hiring a consultant really worth it?

Leafr consultants are chosen for their ability to deliver clear ROI. We ensure that the value they bring far outweighs the investment, with tailored solutions that directly impact your bottom line. Plus, our risk-free period allows you to assess the value without commitment.

Will the consultant communicate effectively with our team?

Effective communication is a cornerstone of our consultants� approach. We ensure clear, consistent communication throughout the project, fostering collaboration and alignment with your team. This commitment to communication is a key factor in our 100% project satisfaction rating.

Will my team need retraining after the consultant leaves?

Our consultants focus on knowledge transfer, equipping your team with the skills and understanding they need to sustain progress after the project concludes. This ensures that the improvements are lasting and your team remains confident moving forward.

Will the consultant stay updated with the latest sustainability trends and regulations?

Leafr consultants are experts in their fields, continuously updating their knowledge of the latest trends and regulations. We ensure they bring the most current insights to your project, supported by ongoing training and development opportunities.

I'm concerned about how to assess the consultant's performance effectively.

Leafr provides clear metrics and regular updates, allowing you to track the consultant�s progress and assess the impact of their work. We also encourage feedback to ensure expectations are met. Our 100% project satisfaction rating reflects our dedication to transparency and performance.

How soon will we see results from the consultant's work?

While sustainability initiatives often have long-term goals, our consultants focus on delivering quick wins and measurable progress early in the engagement, ensuring you see value from the outset. Our risk-free period allows you to experience these early results firsthand.

I'm worried the consultant might not fully commit if they have multiple clients.

Our consultants are dedicated to delivering results. Leafr carefully manages consultant workloads to ensure your project receives the attention and commitment it deserves. Our 100% project satisfaction rating is a testament to our consultants� focus and dedication.

What if the consultant doesn't understand my specific industry or business model?

At Leafr, we thoroughly vet our consultants to ensure they have deep expertise in various industries. We match you with specialists who have proven experience in your sector, ensuring they understand your unique challenges and goals. Our consultants have been trained and trusted by the best organisations worldwide.

Not sure where to start?

Book a free call with an expert in X of our consultants. They will help you understand your current position, build out an initial strategy and prioritise the most impactful projects to work on.

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