It's Paris Agreement Day!

Anyone guess what today is?

It's the day we commence the COP 21 Paris Climate Agreement!

Just 11 months after the world united, the first ever climate deal to gather both rich and poor countries with one climate mission comes in smashing the previous record set by the last major climate deal, the Kyoto Protocol, of 8 years.

196 countries (that's all the attendees) signed the pledge- even OPEC (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries). This shows us just how extreme a threat climate change has become; not only are countries willing to change there ways, but those whose main source of GDP is from fossil fuels have seen and heard and felt that we can't continue to live in the state we are right now.

I've heard a lot of talk upon whether it's fair or not that rich countries are putting this into action when developing countries, essentially, need to develop. Some say it's hypocritical. I think if we really want to change, we will.

Solar panels on roofs in China are becoming
http://www.wri.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/kunming.jpg?itok=-Cfoe6yJ

Developing countries don't need fossil fuels. It is as simple as that. If we share our renewable technology with them & invest just a little more to make many more efficient options, they're provided with jobs, efficient energy and in my opinion what's most important here, a clean & safe environment. They will not have to struggle with the gas leaks and smog-ridden cities. Perhaps there'll be less asthma? Who knows.

All I do know is that any disadvantages will still exist if fossil fuels were burnt e.g. unsightly developments and land loss (as solar panels and wind turbines can go on roofs whereas a gas-fired station with a total storage capacity of 840,000 m3 may not fit quite as snug).
Surprise! Some of the most enthusiasm comes where you least expect it.

China's push for renewable energy has been the most powerful ever witnessed - its global figure for solar panels installed last year was *drumroll build* half a million *pause* every day.

Along with the US, China (classified as a developing country) is 1 of the 2 highest emitters of greenhouse gases. However, it is these countries that have given the most support. China's middle class want to rid of their toxic pollution. President Obama has always kept grounded with climate change as a key topic to tackle. Questions are now being asked about what will happen after the US Presidential elections. 

Two completely contrasting views here:

• Hilary Clinton has pledged to take President Obama's emissions cuts further and says climate change is a threat to American security. She also opposes to expanding drilling in Alaska.
• Donald Trump said he would "cancel" the agreement, slash funding to the Environmental Protection Agency in the US because he believes man-made climate change is a "hoax."

Who do the American citizens want to become? What do they want to be? How do they want to live...

We must not get ahead of ourselves though. Recognition must be shown that, although we are creating momentous history, the UN Emissions Gap Report, prepared by a team of scientists from around the world, finds that by 2030, global emissions are expected to reach 54 - 56 gigatonnes of CO2. While the report points out that this would set temperatures to offset by 2.9 - 3.4 degrees C by the end of the century.

This is well beyond the 42 gigatonnes limit set to have a good chance of staying below the 2 degree C rise, which the Paris Agreement promised it would stay "well below." It's also further away from the 39 degrees C cap to get only a 1.5 degree C rise.

In case you're bewildered by the whole '2 degrees C' thing, this is the maximum temperature increase that is predicted to be able to ensure that the Earth can stay in it's equilibrium. Beyond this, much will change, for instance, habitats will be destroyed, the world will experience more frequent extremes in weather (drought and floods) resulting in crop yields plummeting too. All because of our actions.

Many scientists say that technology to remove carbon from the air will now be needed to meet the Paris targets.

Victory with the Paris Agreement?
http://www.elpais.cr/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/COP21_Fin.jpg

The Paris Agreement is certainly a step in the right direction, but the battle is not won yet.

Now is the time for us to accept our mistakes. Move on. Move forward. Make a change.

 H _ M

    :)

Bibliography:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37874108

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37872111

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-37849862

http://climateparis.org/

http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/china/overview

http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2015/11/2-degrees-will-change-world-paris-climate-change

http://www.power-technology.com/features/featuregas-fired-the-five-biggest-natural-gas-power-plants-in-the-world-4214992/