Copenhagen Accord By Corinna Taylor

The Copenhagen Accord has been released. The conclusions drawn were less than satisfying. We need a very strong action plan to combat global warming. While this agreement is a good start, we must continue to work towards a solid solution.

The Accord has a few main points:
-Global emissions must be reduced to a point that will eliminate any human interference to the climate system.
-An increase in temperature must not exceed 2 degrees Celsius.
-Developing countries need aide in building resilience to the effects of climate change, and that developed countries will help financially.
-Countries that signed the Kyoto Protocol will meet their targets by January 31st, 2010 and will continue their efforts thereafter.
-Establishment of REDD+, to enhance the removal of emissions by forests, therefore reducing the rate of deforestation and forest degradation.

There is more to the agreement than what I have stated here, but these are the first few points that were agreed upon. As you can see, these are great starting points. However, they leave no incentive to further reduce emissions from the targets set by the Kyoto Protocol. In order for governments to act, there has to be a target to work towards. By signing this accord, countries are essentially saying that they understand the consequences of global warming, yet have no reason for actually reducing emissions. We need something more than this. We can accomplish much more than this!