I have a column out today in the UMD newspaper The Diamondback about the upcoming Copenhagen negotiations, along with a call for the US to do more. It’s difficult to write about Copenhagen in only 550 words given the complexities, along with the reality that the readers don’t know a lot about the issue. A few of the takeaway points I wanted to hit on were
1. The planet is warming.
2. China is not an excuse for inaction.
3. We need to do more than we’re doing, and show leadership.
Copenhagen and climate: Going all-in
By Matt Dernoga
Less than a week from now, crucial international negotiations will take place in Copenhagen. At stake is the replacement of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, set to expire in 2012. The Kyoto Protocol is largely considered a bust, since major emitters such as the United States didn’t participate.
However, collectively, the European Union is on track to surpass its Kyoto goal of reducing emissions 8 percent below its 1990 levels by 2012 by achieving a 13 percent reduction. Contrary to arguments from detractors, the European countries that participated in a cap and trade scheme grew their economies and reduced emissions.
Unfortunately, many did not follow suit, and thousands of climate experts warn of an impending catastrophe if the world warms by more than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), which would trigger an array of tipping points. We’re currently on track for 6 degrees Celsius of warming, referred to by scientists as the “doomsday scenario.” Not that governments need to rely on predictions or theory
