Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Today, leaders gather again – this time at the United Nations in New York – to sign the landmark agreement.
Today, leaders gather again – this time at the United Nations in New York – to sign the landmark agreement.
Today, leaders gather again – this time at the United Nations in New York – to sign the landmark agreement.
Related:
Related:
Related:
Related:
Paris climate deal to be signed by over 130 countries at UN ceremony
Two degrees may not sound like a major threat, or even a difficult goal
But limiting average temperature increase could be the difference in assuring our future
A future that includes breathable air, dependable weather patterns, drinkable water, secure food sources and the survival of the ecosystems on which our climate – and human life – depends.
The Paris agreement was not our first effort at tackling the grave issue of climate change
The summits at Copenhagen, Kyoto and Montreal were each an attempt to pull us back from the brink of disaster
But they came up short
For our moment in history, Paris is a critical breakthrough – but it is also just the beginning
We must build on this foundation, and strive for the even more ambitious limit of 1.5C in the coming years, to avoid catastrophic impacts to those least capable of adapting and potentially losing entire island nations to rising seas.
It is a global obligation to ourselves and to future generations
In order to meet it, our work to deliver on the promise of Paris must follow five basic principles:
1 Reducing and pricing carbon emissions
Emissions reduction is the standard by which climate action must be measured – and only strict limits can help us to avoid the worst impacts of climate change
To drive the reductions at the pace and scale that science demands, we need to implement powerful economic incentives: proven market-based policies that put a price on carbon pollution, make polluters pay for their damage to the climate and reward the innovators and entrepreneurs who develop and deploy cleaner technologies.
2 Accelerating the transition to renewable energy
We possess the technology – right now – to speed up the transition to 100% clean energy use
This is not the stuff of science fiction: clean energy costs have plummeted and installed capacity is expanding rapidly
The enormity of our energy infrastructure means the transition will take time – but make no mistake, it is happening
Renewable energy will help usher in a new era of economic promise and security for people around the world.
Accelerating the transition means divesting from fossil fuel holdings and investing in clean energy solutions
As companies such as Peabody Coal file for bankruptcy protection, investors should factor in the risk of supporting fossil energy
Policies that support clean energy are coming fast and there are profits to be made.
3 Protecting the world’s vital ecosystems
Our planet’s delicate, irreplaceable rainforests and wild oceans are key to a sustainable future for all life on Earth
Without these incredibly diverse places, we will not be able to sustain a steady climate that works as nature intended: to clean our air and regulate global temperature
No science or technology can replace or replicate these unique natural wonders
Safeguarding the world’s forests and oceans is critical to supporting the livelihoods of the local and indigenous communities that depend on them.
4 Taking aggressive short-term action first
An emphasis on long-term solutions and mid-century goals can obscure the fact that the worst effects of climate change may become irreversible if we don’t take aggressive action now
Controlling methane emissions is the single most impactful move we can make to alter the near-term trajectory of climate change
Manmade methane emissions cause one quarter of the increased warming we are currently experiencing.
Yet cost-effective remedies exist: inexpensive technologies can reduce leaks and venting from existing oil and gas systems immediately; and innovative programmes exist to reduce landfill waste, which releases methane as it decomposes.
5 Making our cities global models for sustainability
Over half the world’s population lives in dense urban areas that generate more than 70% of global emissions
Any long-term changes must involve major cities from both hemispheres
Already, many are serving as models
Vancouver, Sydney, Stockholm, and Las Vegas have already committed to using 100% renewable energy in the coming decades
Other cities must follow their lead.
These are real solutions, many of which are already being implemented in parts of the world to great success
It is up to political and community leaders, businesses, and citizens everywhere to act as guardians not just of this new, aggressive set of standards for climate action – but as guardians of our future.
We know what needs to be done
Together, we must stand up and fight for these meaningful, effective solutions
Please Like And Subscribe our Channel!