So COP21 has now ended! It was extended an extra day to finalise the agreement, but what has been the result?
You can find the report here for yourself (or, if you want the TL;DR version, it's here). For me, it's nothing spectacular.
I suppose I was expecting detailed targets and commitments from regions and countries. Compared to Copenhagen in 2009, this is a great result - there are some legally binding aspects, but in terms of carbon targets, there is nothing explicit. I'll explain.
The report asks that:
- Greenhouse gas emissions are peaked as quickly as possible, towards a world which balances human emissions with natural sinks -- An important aspect, as it incentives greater afforestation to provide a more sinks, ensuring the security of woodland and forest habitats. However, this requirement isn't until the second half of the 21st century, so maybe it will be too late by then?
- Review the progress of countries every 5 years -- now this is one of the legally binding requirements. I feel this can facilitate a good conversation and further progress in the future and drive further commitments.
- Limiting global temps to 2C, and strive towards 1.5C -- I really admire the ambition of the delegates. But I think the results from our mock COP21 (see Kaitlin's opinion of our mock COP21 here) show that we will strive to get to 2C. We managed 2.7C and the assessments of the INDCs predict countries will only just reach 2.7C.
- US$100 billion every year to finance climate initiatives in developing regions -- this item is a little more confusing. The report outlines the fund is for "mitigation actions" and "implementation". Funds will range from financial resources up front to results-based targets. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this aspect. The funds are only for developing countries, but some there are many issues with that. Do all countries have equal allocations of money? For those more affected by climate, will the funds be prioritised for them, or can it be used for aid? This will only come by 2020 though...
The legal aspects are the review (good!) and submission of targets (great!). The irony: the submitted targets will be voluntary (not legally binding).
Overall, I see this as a good stepping stone. Action needed to be taken and this is a good step forward.
What do you think of the results of COP21? Do you think the results are positive or negative?
Agreed! The climate deal is positive in that ALL countries have signed to say they will work towards reducing carbon emissions and have net zero emissions by 2050, BUT it's nowhere near enough to hold countries to their word. Legally binding reviews are a way that we might see progress though, and hopefully with the "ratcheting mechanism" I explained, our ambitions regarding climate change will only grow with time.
ReplyDeleteI suppose to some extent, you need to approach these climate talks with a bit of flexibility, as so many economies depend on carbon and have yet to adapt. The time scale is too long, but maybe it will mean more participation and drive in the long run?
DeleteI think the overall results are positive - it is the first time we've seen a worldwide agreement on something of this scale. But, I was, like you, really expecting to see specific targets e.g. a certain % of emissions cut to X levels by the year X. I hadn't realised submission of targets was voluntary...
ReplyDeletePerhaps the governments of the world still aren't taking climate change serious enough as a problem. It will be interesting to see if countries carry through on what they've said in the years to come.
Voluntary and not legally binding, but I suppose to some extent it is a good start. It's the most comprehensive deal that has taken place so ultimately may take time to fully realise and get people to understand the importance of climate change.
DeleteWas personally not impressed. After doing a lot of research into long range pollution and their impacts on climate change i was surprised the focus is still on GHGs! Do you think it would be possible to limit warming to 2 degrees? Personally unless we act now i can not see this happening!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you Charlie. I was not impressed by the results, and really thought something more would be done! I like the ambitious nature of final report, but I don't feel 2 degrees is achievable. They have appreciated that a gradual progress will have to be made, something I can understand and agree with. However, I expected many more legally binding targets - not even the INDCs are legally binding! You just have to submit them!
DeleteWe just have to wait to see if COP21 has produced anything significant.