get_emissions_trend

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden and does so well: it discloses returned quantities with units, explains that the basis parameter selects separate row sets ('never sum across them'), and specifies that search is case-insensitive and supports partial names. It also clarifies the meaning of the 'owned_delivered' column for basis='all'.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The main purpose is front-loaded and the remaining sentences each add functional value: outputs, units, basis semantics, row-set warning, and search behavior. The basis values are presented in a scannable list format that is easy for an agent to parse.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a two-parameter tool with an output schema, this description tells the agent everything needed to call it correctly: what data comes back, units, boundary choices, a warning about summing across bases, and name matching behavior. The only notable omission is sibling comparison, which is already covered under usage guidance.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 0%, so the text must explain the parameters, and it does. 'basis' is fully documented with its three allowed values, defaults, and accounting meaning; the description also clarifies utility_name behavior via case-insensitive partial matching. No parameter is left semantically opaque.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description opens with a specific action and object — 'Get yearly CO2 emissions and 1.5°C pathway comparison for a utility' — and enumerates the exact outputs (CO2, targets, IRP projection, RMI benchmark, generation, intensity), which makes the tool's role clear. It does not explicitly draw boundaries against siblings like get_generation_mix or get_climate_alignment, so some differentiation is left to inference.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The use case is implied by the detailed output list, and the basis options tell the agent how to choose accounting scope. However, no guidance is given about when to prefer this tool over the overlapping sibling tools, and there are no when-not-to-use conditions or alternative routing.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.