Sebastian Buckup | January 19, 2026
In After Paris, Sebastian Buckup analyzes how global environmental policy has evolved a decade after the Paris Agreement. Rather than a retreat from climate ambition, the article argues that environmental action is increasingly shaped by national priorities such as economic competitiveness, security, and industrial strength.
National Autonomy and Global Cooperation
The article explains that the Paris Agreement succeeded by allowing national autonomy through nationally determined contributions. However, global emissions remain above the trajectory needed to meet climate targets. As a result, environmental progress now depends on how effectively global goals are embedded into national strategies.
Moreover, Buckup highlights that environmental governance has become more decentralized. Cities, firms, investors, and regulators now play a growing role through networks, standards, and voluntary coordination. This flexible architecture allows national action to scale through shared platforms rather than centralized control.
Climate Resilience and Green Growth
Climate resilience is presented as a clear example of interdependence. While governments act locally, effective adaptation relies on shared data, finance, and technology. Initiatives such as satellite-based monitoring, early warning systems, and innovative financial mechanisms strengthen national responses to climate risks.
At the same time, the green transition is increasingly linked to economic growth. Policies such as the European Green Deal, the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, and China’s clean technology investments show how decarbonization can drive jobs and industrial renewal. However, Buckup emphasizes that green growth depends on open supply chains, shared standards, and cross-border investment.
Technology, Finance, and Environmental Governance
The article underscores finance and technology as key enablers of environmental action. While public ambition is growing, access to affordable capital remains uneven, especially in developing economies. Instruments such as green bonds, debt-for-nature swaps, and adaptive financing mechanisms help bridge this gap.
Furthermore, digital technologies and artificial intelligence are transforming environmental governance. Real-time monitoring platforms now allow governments to track emissions, deforestation, and pollution more effectively. These tools demonstrate how cooperation can strengthen, rather than weaken, national autonomy.
Connected Autonomy as the Path Forward
Finally, Buckup introduces the concept of “connected autonomy.” In a fragmented but interdependent world, environmental progress depends less on grand global agreements and more on how national actions are connected through shared data, finance, standards, and trust. The future of global environmental policy, the article concludes, lies in aligning diverse national strategies toward shared outcomes.
Reference
Buckup, S. (2026). After Paris: Environmental policy in an interdependent world. Foreign Affairs. https://www.foreignaffairs.com/