So the conference is now finished, in the most anti-climatic way possible. I think it was difficult to live up to the high expectations that were placed on COP15, but the outcome leaves much to be desired. With countries only ‘taking note’ of the agreement, very few have signed on so far, and there is nothing legally binding yet. While 2 degrees of warming has been agreed upon, it sounds like the numbers add up to at least 3 degrees. All in all, a fair, ambitious, and binding target was not reached.
I do, however, feel that some positive outcomes emerged. I am happy that some money is starting to be committed to adaptation assistance. The less developed countries will be hit hardest by global warming, and it is important for the wealthier nations to assist in their efforts to cope with and limit the impacts of sea level rise, desertification, and the like.
As well, an important partnership between the US, China, India, Brazil and South Africa has been reached. For many years I have felt strongly that a meaningful agreement on climate change would have to foster a bilateral agreement between the US and China, as they account for such a high percentage of the emissions today. Adding in India, Brazil and South Africa only strengthens this agreement by opening up to some other large, industrializing emitters.
Finally, I think that there has been much momentum created internationally around this issue. I am excited to see civil society continue to engage in this issue in the coming months until we reach a legally binding agreement that will ensure strong targets from countries across the world.
While I was hoping (and maybe a little too optimistic) that a full agreement would be reached at COP15, I do think that this meeting was an important step forward to recognize and acknowledge the issue of climate change and its impacts. With 115 leaders attending the conference, and thousands of participants from civil society, global warming is definitely on the radar now. And, as I have said earlier, I think taking a few more months to reach an ambitious and meaningful target would be better than having a weak but binding agreement now. I hope we are still able to make progress over the next year.
My experience in Copenhagen was very interesting and unique. I gained a wide understanding of international politics and appreciation for alternative methods to behavioral changes. It was a very neat experience to pay close attention to the faith aspect of the conference, and to be in touch with you over the past two weeks. I hope that partnerships such as these can continue to develop and flourish, as people find meaning in protecting the planet, their home.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn from you and exchange ideas around the social, political, scientific and moral question of our time. I appreciate the insight and knowledge you have shared. I look forward to being in touch.
Sincerely,
Lindsay
