COP15 – Copenhagen Climate Change Conference

Dec 7-18

From December 7-18th, the “Conference of the Parties (COP)” meets in Copenhagen to hash out a replacement agreement to the Kyoto Protocol which expires in 2012.

Governmental officials from 192 UN countries will be attending the COP15, along with a horde of non-government organizations and the media.

While the Kyoto Protocol was well written and signed-off by most countries of the world, a few of the largest CO2 emitters did not sign the agreement – USA and China to name a couple! While several European countries have met or beat their CO2 reduction levels, the USA and China have continued with huge CO2 production increases. Still,  several of the countries that signed the Kyoto Protocol did nothing to limit their CO2 production. Canada for example has had huge INCREASES in CO2 production, rather than meet their commitment reductions.

If our planet is to survive, the countries attending the COP15, must resolve their differences and commit to a new binding Protocol. Greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2020 to avoid catastrophic climate change  and be reduced in the 80-90% range by 2050, down to a level of 350 ppm. To succeed, emission reductions in the range of 25-40% by 2020, from 1990 levels have to occur in the rich nations of the world.

Norway has committed to a 30% reduction – 40% if other countries will meet that level. Japan has indicated they will support similar reductions. Everyone else falls far short of what is required.

One Issue:  India and China each have huge national carbon emissions. China’s emissions are now greater than the USA if you look at total production. However, the USA produces FIVE times as much CO2 per person as China. China has  indicated that they will not commit to reduce their emissions on a “National Basis”,  on the grounds that they have to alleviate poverty in their country. To reduce poverty on the planet, the COP15 needs to come to an agreement that allows all nations to bring their standard of living closer to a “common” ground. This could require a reduction in the standard of living of developed nations, while bring up the level in developing countries.  Isn’t the world worth it!

It should be noted, that climate change can be controlled using technology we have available today – electricity from renewable sources; electric vehicles; bicycles…

This is a politcial issue, not a technical one.

Similar Posts:

• Emissions Per Person – Not Per Nation
• Population growth slows – Consumption increases
• Kyoto means a lower standard of living

Filed under: Climate Change