The 17th Conference of Parties (COP 17) for the United Nations attempt to address Climate Change was an Epic Fail.
Basically, rich countries (including the USA) declined to consider any legally binding efforts and what good ideas were discussed were decided to try to agree to in 2015 (not to take effect until 2020). Also, the Kyoto Protocol (the only global legally binding environmental treaty) is expiring next year and Canada, who failed to meet their agreed-upon standards is exiting the Kyoto agreement without paying the fines that they would owe, so even that treaty has proved ineffective.
Here are some links with details:
- Climate Activists: Durban Deal is “Very Weak” Agreement, Lacks “Ambition, Equity“
- COP 17 ends: Earth, and Africa, still headed for disaster
What does this mean? We cannot count on world governments to help with environmental destruction at the global level – we need to focus our efforts locally and individually.
What can you do?
- Conserve materials – use less, reuse more and if you cannot reuse, be sure to recycle or compost.
- Conserve energy – change your habits to use less energy and institute efficiency enhancing measures in your daily life. Walk more, use gasoline power less.
- Use renewable energy – choose renewable sources of electricity and heat sources whenever possible (e.g., hydro-electric, wind, solar).
- Invest in green technology (e.g., if you’re buying a car, make sure it gets high mileage and emits little pollution) – be sure to research before buying.
- Advocate – speak up about the efforts you are making to conserve resources and share information with others that will help. For example, you could work on instituting a recycling program at your workplace.
