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One of the most important climate negotiations since the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 is underway in Paris.

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP 21) runs until December 11th and will see over 190 world Governments gather to discuss a new global agreement aimed at mitigating climate change and keeping global average temperature rise below 2 °C relative to the level before the industrial revolution.

COP21 is an opportunity for the Met Office to share the latest science on climate change to a large and diverse audience including the scientists and policy makers who use the science to inform their research and decision-making. The Met Office plays a lead role in providing impartial scientific advice to the UK Government to underpin the UK's climate negotiations.

In addition to measures to mitigate further climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation to existing and anticipated climate change will also be at the heart of any agreement. These efforts will take into account the needs and capacities of each country.

Any agreement is planned to enter into force in 2020 and would be designed to be sustainable to enable long-term change.