COP21 – What was it all about?

COP21 (2015). COP21 Communication KIt Twitter Banner [online]. Available from: <http://www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/presse/communication-kit/>. [Accessed 05/01/2016].

Just as a nice little follow on, as I mentioned COP21 in my post about carbon emissions in Malawi, I thought it may be useful to just pop a short post up about COP21. 

COP21 was the United Nations Conference on Climate Change.  It took place in Paris, France from 30^th November to 12 December 2015.  The conference was held in order to respond to a warming atmosphere “due to greenhouse gas emissions by human activity”.

As a result 168 countries have set out plans to reduce emissions.  The agreement sets a target of below 2°C raise in temperatures and establishes an aim of 1.5°C.  Even with the newly published actions by the 168 countries it is estimated that temperatures may still rise by between 2.7°C to 3°C.  For this reason COP21 contributions will be reviewed in 2020 with an aim of carbon neutrality being achieved in the second half of the century.

Just as Malawi were seeking COP21 financial assistance to implement their stove scheme, so too will other poorer and developing nations be seeking financial assistance to fund projects or adapt to climate change impacts.  From 2020 $100 billion will be required on a yearly basis to assist with this. 

The financing will come in the form of loans and donations.  With industrialised nations funding poorer countries.  On 22^nd April the agreement will be open for signing by the participating countries.

The COP21 agreement is very important if mankind is to tackle greenhouse gas emissions with a view to reducing them.  On a personal note, I do so hope that this agreement has the intended out come.  As I said before, the business as usual approach is no longer viable, but action must be taken by all humanity in order for it to be a success.  

Arnaud Bouissou (2015). MEDDE/SG COP21 [online]. Available from: <http://www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/>. [Accessed 05/01/2016].

Reference
United Nations Conference on Climate Change [online]. (2015). Available from: <http://www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/more-details-about-the-agreement/>. [Accessed 05/01/2016].