A giant step forward for climate change
How can we all do our part after the historic worldwide agreement?
With the global climate under intense scrutiny in recent times because of excessive greenhouse gas emissions, the world took a step forward in the fight to reduce global warming.
After 13 days of marathon discussions and negotiations amongst 196 nations in Paris, a historic deal was agreed. The world, represented by the United Nations, shook hands to work together towards a common goal – to lower the world’s fuel emissions and combat climate change.
A global battle?
This was one of the biggest gatherings of world leaders in history – since 1992, the world’s leaders have been attempting to unite on this issue to stop the effects of global warming, and they have now finally been successful.
The 48-page draft (finally condensed to a 12-page deal) was a lengthy and complicated document full of various parenthesis and clauses, but first and foremost the pact is a commitment by all countries involved to cut carbon emissions.
Key points agreed on in the document
- To peak greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible and achieve a balance between sources and sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century
- To keep global temperature increases "well below" 2C (3.6F) and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5C
- To review progress every five years
- To give $100 billion a year in climate finance for developing countries by 2020, with a commitment to further finance in the future
Once the deal was signed, a number of global leaders gave notable speeches. UK Prime Minister David Cameron called it “a moment to remember and a huge step forward in helping to secure the future of our planet”, and U.S. President Barack Obama praised it as “The best chance to save the one planet we have”.
Obama later warned against complacency, saying that the goal was ambitious and needed continuous work and monitoring to succeed.
How to do your bit
Everyone can help to make a difference in the fight against global warming, so why not sign your own ‘mini-agreement’ to be more energy efficient in your own world?
Here are a few ways to get started:
- Do the obvious little things like switching off lights you don’t need, filling the kettle halfway – in fact, there are loads of little changes that could make a big difference
- Heating accounts for nearly 50% of the energy you use, so ensure your boiler is energy efficient
- Choose ‘greener’ appliances – modern appliances are now energy rated, so choose the highest rating and only the size you require
Buying a new boiler can usually pay for itself in the long run, and is kinder to the planet.
Read this useful guide by The Energy Saving Trust, which also contains a host of other energy saving tips in and out of the home.
Looking to a better future
With such a historic development in the battle against climate change, and with attitudes towards global warming becoming more and more positive, it’s hopeful that the future holds a more climatically stable planet.
While you do your part to help the Earth by watching your energy efficiency, make sure you have cover for your boiler in case anything goes awry – such as AA Boiler Cover.
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