CRS report via FAS  – Climate Change: Frequently Asked Questions about the 2015 Paris Agreement, Jane A. Leggett, Specialist in Energy and Environmental Policy; Richard K. Lattanzio, Specialist in Environmental Policy. September 1, 2016.

“Experts broadly agree that stabilizing greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere to avoid dangerous GHG-induced climate change could be accomplished only with concerted efforts by all large emitting nations. Toward this purpose, delegations of 195 nations adopted the Paris Agreement (PA) on December 12, 2015.  The PA outlines goals and a structure for international cooperation to slow climate change and mitigate its impacts over decades to come…”