Over 200 countries attended COP26m the international climate conference that took place in 2021. Its main goal was to keep a maximum of 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit of global warming within reach by mid-century. The conference held promise and excitement about the urgency of stronger emissions reduction targets. Vulnerable countries were already experiencing dwindling crop yields and devastating storms. They called for financial help from richer nations to help them adapt to the effects of climate change. By the end, 151 resubmitted climate plans that slashed emissions. It was the first time countries agreed to shift away from coal and fossil fuel subsidies. Diplomates left with their hopes alive—but just barely.
The COP27 climate summit reconvened last November in Sharm el-Sheikh Egypt. the conference was framed as a battle for survival. A key outcome was establishing a loss and damage fund for nations vulnerable to the climate crisis. The money will be used for everything, including building sea walls and creating drought-resistant crops. This agreement was important, but when it came to moving away from Fossil fuels, the summit failed miserably. Reports that showed no progress was being made were bad news for our warming planet. The reports painted a bleak picture with no credible path to a 2.7-degree Fahrenheit limit. For the first time, a pavilion was devoted to children and youth, the generations to suffer most. Unfortunately, the policies in place point to a temperature rise bringing catastrophic consequences by the end of the century.
The war in Ukraine hasn’t helped. Countries dependent on Russian oil restarted polluting coal-operated plants. According to a BBC report, the war has led to 33 million tons of greenhouse gases being emitted into the Earth’s atmosphere. Rebuilding Ukraine will release upwards of 49 million tons of carbon dioxide.
No community in the United States is immune to the effects of a warming climate. If yours isn’t affected by radical weather, it is likely to become overrun with climate migrants. In my backyard, my partner and I are afraid to leave our home for extended periods of time. During the summer, we fear fire whipping through the small canyon below our house. The smoke from California, Oregon, and Washington forest fires keeps us inside during the most beautiful time of the year.
During the other nine months, we fear mudslides from torrential rains and trees trees and power lines falling down from windstorms .s. In the summer, it is too hot to be outside. For forty years I’ve never needed air-conditioning, but now I do. A 150-foot tree landed on our house a few years ago, one totaled a car in the drive, and this Christmas our roof just missed getting speared through by a branch. We live seven miles from the center of Portland, in an area considered stable.
It’s incumbent upon every person to take action. Energy-efficient electric appliances, washing laundry with cold water, and hanging clothes to dry instead of using a dryer are a few of the many ways to save energy at home. Stop complaining about bike lanes, we need them. Walking, biking, and using public transport improve health and fitness as well as the planet. Bundle trips to the store when going by car. We see people drive by our home five and six times daily to complete one small task at a time. Eat more vegetables and less meat. Plant-based food results in fewer greenhouse emissions. Generate less waste.
But, the really big changes have to come from Industry. Large-scale tree plantings, donations to energy-green projects, and preserving rainforests are at the top of the list. Car manufacturers need to increase the efficiency of our cars and homes. Employees should be encouraged to work remotely if possible so the freeways are less rounded and big commercial offices can be downsized. Businesses should reconsider the way travel is conducted. Can employees travel by train instead of a plane? Can they conference by Zoom? They can use climate-conscious vendors for supplies and services and donate to climate-related causes. The public is responsible for holding corporations accountable for their impact on the planet.
The push will come from peer pressure. “We’re going carbon neutral, why aren’t you?” are words that should ring from everyone’s lips. Old values have to be challenged to inspire real change. How many mega-floods or blazing fires have to be experienced before the nation is shaken to its core? The time will come when insurance rates will be too high to afford. Eventually, families will be forced to move from coastal regions, floodplains, and forested areas. In time, people will realize that increasing the gross domestic product is less important than caring for the environment.
CLIMATE CHANGE IS THE MAIN ISSUE OF OUR TIME. Best not to look at it with horror, but with curiosity. This is an exciting time to be challenged by possibility. By planting one seed at a time we can build a movement that tackles our problems with force. The United States can be an inventive, flexible, and caring country. Let’s not let it be stupid and lazy.
United Nations Climate Action (2021) Together for our planet. retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/cop26
Summary Report 6-10 November 2022 COP27. Earth Negotiations Bulletin. retrieved from https://enb.iisd.org/sharm-el-sheikh-climate-change-conference-cop27-summary
Rannard, . (2022) COP27: War causing huge release of climate warming gas, claims Ukraine. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-63625693
Ali. M (2022) 10 ways companies can do more to fight climate change. Hotjar, retrieved from https://www.hotjar.com/blog/ten-ways-companies-can-help-fight-climate-change/
What are you doing to lower your carbon footprint? Do you care? Do share your thoughtS below.
Art is always for sale. Contact marilynne@eichingerfinearet.com. Offers considered.
Climate Man by Ray Losey is a 7’ 4” tall and 19” wide cedar pole. Available for $5,800.
One Seed at A time, Mixed Media on Panel 44” x 84” metal frame. available for $ 2,900.
