These Doodles Perfectly Sum Up What You Need To Know About The Paris Climate Deal

It took years of negotiating, but nearly all of the world's nations have finally agreed on a plan to tackle climate change. On Saturday, these countries' leaders came together to officially sign the historic Paris Agreement, which pledges real action to keep global temperatures from rising catastrophically.

It was a huge moment for people around the world and for our planet. And though many believe that the accord is not perfect, it does show the power of ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. During my two weeks in Paris, I witnessed young and old alike marching in the streets, indigenous peoples from around the world standing together, and the most climate-vulnerable nations leading the call for strong action. Along the way, there were concerts, lectures, parties, and plenty of pastries.

After the deal was announced, all of these people spread across Paris, in part to celebrate but also to tell world leaders: We are watching, and we want real action now. This is the beginning, not the end.

At first glance, it may seem as if the technical details of greenhouse-gas emissions are poor subjects for watercolor, stamps, and collage, but to me, climate change is about people — the people I saw on the streets of Paris, and the people who expect more than just empty promises. Ahead, some of my Paris journal entries, which break down the biggest moments from COP21 and what the world needs to know (and do) now.