Alicia Procello - What is The Paris Agreement?

President Trump’s recent decision to withdraw the US from the Paris Accord was met with many differing opinions; some seem to be in favor of such a move while most of the country seems to see it as a mistake. However there is a third group, many who have no idea what the Paris agreement is, and how it affects the world’s citizens. Without getting too political on the issue or choosing any sides, the Paris climate accord, as many call it, is a great idea. All it really is, is a number of countries banding together to help reduce our global footprint, and mitigate global warming.

In July of 2017, France’s environment minister, Nicolas Hulot announced France’s plans to ban all petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040. As crazy as this may sound, it’s a huge step towards a cleaner, more environmentally friendly future. And much of the world seems to agree, as of right now 195 countries have signed the agreement and 154 of them have already ratified the agreement into their laws. The agreement itself outlines a list of goals that every country involved should be working towards. First, they aim to keep the average global temperature below 2 degrees Celsius per year. Something that hasn’t happened since the industrial revolution, but would literally help our planets resources last thousands of years longer.  Second, to adapt our manufacturing, and agricultural practices in such a way that will help the climate and lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions, without threatening our food supply. As it stands right now our methods of food production are the biggest threats to our planet. If better methods aren’t created, generations from now they will be deciding whether to go hungry or destroy the planet. And lastly, to maneuver the world’s finances in such a way that lowering greenhouse gas emissions is less costly and more efficient for everyone. Probably the most important goal in my mind, because unless climate-safe practices can be more cost effective it will be impossible to get large corporations on board with such things. At the end of the day a corporation’s job is to make money, and current environmentally friendly practices are too expensive to be used as the standard. Obviously, the agreement involves a lot more. Whether our country takes part or not, we have to find better means of conserving our resources and lowering the effects of climate change. It’s a global issue, that effects everyone, regardless of age or race or income, we must all work together to insure a better future for generations to come.

More Detail Visit Alicia Procello Maddox