The landmark climate agreement that more than 190 countries struck over the weekend ushers in a broad, new international effort to wind down the fossil-fuel era. But as two weeks of tumultuous negotiations made clear, the pact’s success hinges on individual countries making painful choices—especially in how they produce and consume energy—that could profoundly shape corporate behavior, financial markets and the global economic landscape. Paul Polman , chief executive of European-based consumer-goods giant Unilever UL -1.69 % PLC and an outspoken environmental advocate, said the deal sent an “unequivocal signal to the business and financial communities, one that will drive real change in the real economy.” Others, especially from the fossil-fuel industry and some U.S. companies, were more critical or played down the impact of the agreement on their businesses. Stephen Eule, vice president for climate and technology at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which lobbies Washington lawmakers on […]