Since 1920, the research linking pollution to the rise in the earth’s temperature has been ignored by people and government officials. A historic day was reached this past Saturday when 200 countries signed a treaty to keep the amount of greenhouse gases being released down and eventually eliminate it completely.
“It’s a victory for all of the planet and for future generations,” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said, adding that the pact will “prevent the worst most devastating consequences of climate change from ever happening.” One of the more disappointing factors was the terms the U.S had to set in order to not have to go through a senate vote. In the treaty the words “shall” was changed to “should” which means the decision to help the earth won’t need congressional approval.
The ultimate goal is to keep the Earth from rising another 1.5 degrees before 2100, which would mean the 140 million homes that were predicted to be consumed by the rising water would get to stand for a little bit longer. Without any change in pollution it would be 280 million homes that would be lost to the ocean and it’s rising levels.
Essentially, we would need to cut burning coal, oil and gas in order to fully get rid of greenhouse gases. This would affect our transportation, our way of living in a nutshell.
While over 180 countries gladly and willingly signed the treaty, eight countries have yet to sign. Nicaragua refuses to sign due to the fact that it isn’t more strict which could allow benefits for suffering and poor countries.
This seems to be a giant step forward in the direction of helping the earth, many would disagree. A similar emission treaty was formed in in 1997, but only had rich countries included, and again in 2009, but didn’t end up working out due to disagreements. Protests were held in paris containing thousands of people who believe the treaty is not enough and they’re not wrong. With the earth in the state it’s in, we would need to stop polluting with greenhouse gases by 2050 to reach the 1.5 degree goal.
What exactly does this entail for us, the people who inhabit earth? In order to completely get rid off greenhouse gases we need to get serious. Three words. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. But that’s not all, driving less, using less hot water, and even changing your light bulbs would help. The question is how do you get one family to do this, let alone a whole country? More like 180 countries to be exact.
“My family has a set time on how long a shower can be. If we go over the time we get in trouble, but I’m so used to it now it’s not really an inconvenience.” Megan Hennessy, Senior, says. Everyone can be a part of the solution, whether it’s taking the bus instead of driving or turning off the A/C and opening the windows in the summer, the problem requires all of us to be the solution.
If you would like to learn more about this issue and the plans in place, visit http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/dec/12/paris-climate-deal-200-nations-sign-finish-fossil-fuel-era
