World leaders are gathering in Paris this week to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference to discuss our global climate, as well as how to reduce and counter the impact of carbon emissions. But what do outdoor lovers need to know about the Paris climate summit? Here is a breakdown of the goals of these important talks.
The Agreement
The main idea of the Paris talks is to come up with a simple yet clear agreement that all nations of the world can follow and implement. Countries should agree to evaluate and adjust their climate control plans every few years, as well as provide accurate reporting. The UN will put measures in place to hold those who do not perform as promised accountable.
Another part of this plan is to provide assistance to the poorest nations of the world in the form of education and the implementation of carbon emission-reducing programs and technologies.
Long Term Goals
The ultimate goal is to have a net zero emissions by the end of this century. This doesn’t mean there will be no carbon emissions at all, but that measures will be in place to ensure that the amount produced does not exceed that which the planet can naturally absorb. Our planet can “self manage” a portion of carbon emissions in that plants and other natural resources cancel out the carbon gases before they cause a rise in temperature. With a zero emission policy, we and future generations can still live normal lives without the fears associated with global warming.
This will also mean an increase in the use of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and even nuclear power. It will be no easy task, but with global cooperation, it is not impossible, and there are already signs of progress. In the months leading up to this week’s gathering, over 150 countries submitted their plans for environmental programs to the UN. Some will work to reduce emissions, others to preserve forests or use cleaner energy sources. These pledges, if implemented successfully, could reduce the global temperature by more than half of the current projected warming trend. Our climate is delicately balanced and a rise in global temperature of even a few degrees can have far reaching and devastating impact. The Paris climate summit aims to stop the warming and shift the balance back to a more stable environment.
Images via CIAT International Center for Tropical Agriculture, allispossible.org.uk
