Paris Climate Talks in Relation to Clean Energy

After years of failed compromises, the United Nations (UN) conference on climate change is presumed to generate a monumental agreement within the next two weeks. The concern is whether or not we will reach the “target of limiting rising global temperatures to no more than 2 degrees Celsius (35.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels this century.” 150 heads of state are coming together near Paris to discuss the arrangement.

India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, said, “Our hope for a sustainable planet rests on a bold global initiative. It will create unlimited economic opportunities that will be the foundation of the new economy of this century.” India is currently pushing for solar energy, but has plans to open a new coal plant every month until the year 2020. Other leaders such as Chinese President, Xi Jinping recognize the need for developed countries to advocate and foster in help for developing countries. “The richest 10% of the world’s population produces half of the earth’s climate harming fossil fuels emission. The poorest [percentage], which consists of about 3.5 billion people, is only responsible for around 10% of the earth’s carbon emissions,” said Amy Goodman of Democracy Now. The most vulnerable among us are the least responsible for what is happening with climate change, but disproportionately suffer the most. 

The time to expand upon clean energy is now, and it appears that the people who can act as catalysts for the movement are listening. Providing clean energy assistance to developing countries will increase the chances of them not being completely reliant on coal or oil to live – a much healthier and more sustainable option. After this event, it’s important to realize that the fight for clean energy isn’t over and that it’s up to those who aren’t in power to try to extend their voices to those who do. Some leaders in Paris are cynical about the climate portion of the agreement, but the switch to clean and renewable energy is clear. What is transpiring at this conference over these next two weeks will hopefully spark a conversation that needs to be had around the world. For the future, what will we try to do individually to promote the well-being of the earth? More importantly, what can we accomplish if we work together? 

Sources:
http://www.democracynow.org/2015/12/2/the_global_poor_vs_the_10
http://www.democracynow.org/2015/12/2/bill_mckibben_climate_protest_movement_not
http://www.democracynow.org/2015/12/1/pope_francis_to_world_leaders_at
http://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-climate-change-talks-paris-updates-htmlstory.html
http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Paris-Talks-Fall-Short-On-Climate-But-Shift-To-Clean-Energy-Is-Clear.html

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