Global Effort Required To Tackle Climate Change
Higlighting that the world is on a dangerous path when climate change is left unchecked, the United States of America underlined the need for global effort to turn the tide of global warming.
In an op-ed on Earth Day, US Secretary John Kerry emphasized that no single country can solve the climate challenge on its own.
Secretary Kerry wrote, “Now it’s time for other nations to come forward with their own targets.”
There is a need make the targets possible, to reach a meaningful global agreement at the UN Climate Conference in Paris later this year.
Even beyond Paris or the United States, he stressed that countries must continue working to meet their goals and encouraging all stakeholders to get involved.
“That’s the only way we can help ensure future generations are able to enjoy the safe and healthy planet they deserve.” – Secretary Kerry
Political Will Necessary To Protect Environment
According to Secretary Kerry, the international community must once again stir up political will to protect our environment.
“The solution to climate change is staring us in the face, which is an energy policy.” – Secretary Kerry
He added that if countries pursue a global clean energy economy, many countries can dramatically cut the amount of carbon pollution emitted into the atmosphere and prevent the worst impacts of climate change.
However, the question is whether national and local leaders will summon the political will to do it effectively and soon.
Secretary Kerry then asserted that the answer to that question may well depend on citizen action; when enough people make their voices heard, policymakers listen.
World Once Again On A Dangerous Path
According to Secretary Kerry, unchecked climate change is an urgent threat to health, food supplies, biodiversity and livelihoods across the globe.
He stressed that the world is fundamentally changing. In fact, fourteen of the 15 warmest years on record have occurred since 2000 and 2014 was the warmest of all.
With the increased temperature, the environment is altered and it is difficult to determine whether one specific storm or drought is solely caused by climate change.
In addition, if the world does not make significant changes, there are predicted increases in sea levels to dangerous levels, resulting in more intense and frequent extreme weather events, severe disruptions to food supplies and prolonged resource shortages.
US Calls For Greener Cities Around The World
Projecting that 5.2 billion people will live in the world’s urban communities by 2050, the US highlighted the need for cities to address the effects of climate change.
To address climate change, the US Department of State is committed to doing its part to help bring about greener cities around the world.
The US is working to deploy renewable energy technologies; build recycling infrastructure; safeguard wildlife, forests and wetlands; and help communities better protect their water resources.
Mankind Experiencing Effects Of Change In Climate
There are undeniable and increased events like those that scientists have long predicted particularly extreme droughts, that are hammering crop production, forcing farmers out of business and driving up grocery bills.
In addition, countries have suffered gravely by more intense floods and storm surges, causing billions in property damage. The coasts are swiftly eroding, rendering home after home uninhabitable and uninsurable as well.
