In a week, more than 190 countries will meet in Paris for the 21^st annual United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 21^st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to negotiate the final details of a legally binding and universal agreement on limiting global temperature increases for the first time in several decades.

We are deeply saddened by the recent events in Paris, and extend our heartfelt sympathy and concern for anyone impacted by the tragedies. While some large public events have been canceled in the wake of the November 13 attacks, the majority of COP21’s side events will continue as planned, albeit with a higher level of security. More than 100 heads of state are still expected to visit Paris for the opening of the negotiations.

Here is an overview to bring you up to speed on COP21’s background, and how energy efficiency can play a major part in the negotiations and the long-term success of the agreement:

The negotiations that will be held at COP21 are designed to hammer out a binding global agreement that will replace the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. The ultimate goal is for countries to agree on and commit to an international legal structure that will enable countries to commit to ambitious climate goals and ensure transparent reporting, with the aim of limiting emissions to a level that will cause atmospheric warming of not more than two degrees Celsius by the end of the century.

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Ultimately, no matter what structure is ultimately agreed upon in Paris, the real “action” will be at the national and sub-national level. To this end, 170 countries have helped to submit 143 “Intended Nationally Determined Commitments” (INDCs) that outline target emissions and/or abatement strategies (the European states have submitted a collective INDC). To assist with these commitments, the UNFCCC is also pushing for countries and the private sector to deliver an annual collective contribution of $100 billion by 2020 in financing to help the world make the transition to a low carbon future. According to the OECD, an estimated $62 billion in financing was provided in 2014.

Collectively, if the INDCs can actually be achieved in developed and developing countries, they will contribute to the two degree goal, but will not be enough. A great deal more will have to be done by state, local, private and public organizations.

This is, of course, where we see energy efficiency’s valuable role coming into play. It is the Alliance’s position that countries who set ambitious energy productivity goals can generate additional investment in energy efficiency technologies and practices. These efficiency tools are the fastest, most effective, least-cost way for countries to meet carbon targets.

To this end, on behalf of the Global Alliance for Energy Productivity, we have planned to co-host an official UNFCCC side event on December 4 with our partners at the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and the Demand Response and Smart Grid Coalition entitled A Key to Energizing Efficient, Productive & Smart Cities and Grids. Alliance senior vice president for policy and research, Kelly Speakes-Backman, has also been invited to speak during Energy Day at a panel hosted by the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All initiative.

If you can’t join us in Paris, please consider joining us in spirit by endorsing the Global Alliance goal to double global energy productivity!

Image caption: Alliance Program Manager Karen Hughes presents to an audience of delegates and observers at the UNFCCC negotiations in June in Bonn, Germany.