The Paris Agreement came into force and marked a milestone in the history of the fight against climate change. However, Donald Trump's assumption of office as president of the United States has not been good news for our planet. For more information on this topic, you can consult Details on Trump's stance on the Paris Agreement.
We remember that Donald Trump is a climate change denier And, therefore, the United States will not lead the Paris Agreement even though it is one of the main responsible for CO2 emissions globally. The European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy, Miguel Arias Canete, has stated today that the European Union and China will lead the fight against climate change, which, now more than ever, requires strong countries to champion it. In this regard, you can read more about How Europe and China are collaborating on the Paris Agreement, a key effort in the current context. In this situation, the role of the United States is fundamental.
The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is a crucial issue in this context.
Leaders in the Paris Agreement
Cañete has already recalled that in the former Kyoto ProtocolThe United States also abandoned and failed to comply with established agreements. However, this time is different. The unity of all countries to fight climate change is becoming increasingly tangible. For more context on this transition, see How compliance with the Agreement can influence climate phenomena. Furthermore, it is relevant to mention that the Trump's victory and its impact on the Paris Agreement it is a factor to take into account.
The Kyoto protocol is still in force until 2020, which will be when it is replaced by the Paris Agreement. We recall that, although the Paris Agreement has entered into force, it is pursuing to increase climate action and transparency mechanisms before 2020, so that in these summits rules are achieved that make the Paris Agreement operational. It also serves to lay the groundwork for countries to implement their climate change plans from 2020 onwards. In this regard, the Spain's performance should be observed carefully.
In the opinion of Arias Cañete, the European Union is ready to lead the energy transition towards a new low-carbon development model. Furthermore, he knows that we've been in a situation where we don't receive support from the US before, and yet we still manage to overcome it. The EU also has the most ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets and is the largest supporter of developing countries. For an analysis of the US's position in the Paris Agreement, visit , which details the US's role in more detail.
Achieve a carbon-free model by 2050
Cañete recalled that the European Union has allocated 17.600 billion to climate finance in 2015, that 90% of the resources for the International Climate Change Adaptation Fund have been provided by the region, which has also contributed 4.700 billion to the Green Climate Fund, approximately half of this fund's allocation. To learn more about the impact of these investments, review the effects of climate change in Germany, which demonstrate the need for these actions. Within the framework of this financing, it is essential to move towards a carbon-free model.
Reduce global CO2 emissions and spearhead the energy transition it is a great challenge in the fight against climate change. To achieve these ambitious goals, the necessary legislation must be prepared and detailed to comply with the Paris Agreement. Cañete stated that the EU will register a decarbonization plan detailing the path to zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
But of course, Cañete's decision requires the participation of all the member states of the European Union. The European Commission is going to require each of the Member States the realization of a comprehensive energy and climate plan, a draft of which must be submitted in 2018 for review and subsequent approval in 2019, by which date each country must also have completed its 2050 decarbonization strategy. For more details on other countries' plans, we invite you to read , which highlights the situation in the country.
New energy transition plans
In order to address the transformations necessary to lead the energy transition, Cañete affirms that A horizontal debate must be opened to be able to make energy and climate plans. Furthermore, the Government must involve the Economic Affairs Committee in developing the plan, as this is not the sole responsibility of the Departments of Energy and Environment. This collaboration will strengthen efforts to comply with the Paris Agreement.
To achieve the energy transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable development model, it is essential the development of renewable energies and promote R&D subsidies for the development and innovation of technologies that improve energy efficiency. Long-term policies are needed in governments, not just policies aimed at winning elections. To better understand the challenges facing humanity, review the origin of global warming.
I do not believe that someone like Mr. Cañete, who when he came to power had all his assets in Repsol shares, is suitable for the position he holds. The challenges for 2050 seem unambitious to me. By that date climate change will have already wreaked havoc. It will be the market itself that sets the guidelines for the decarbonization of the economy and these gentlemen know that this market will prosper more quickly than they intend.
How right you are. Climate change is doing its thing today and it will get worse and worse. Let's hope the energy transition comes faster than they expect.
Thanks for your comment, greetings !!
Placing bets for the year 2050 seems like a very unambitious thing to me. We all know the consequences that climate change will have brought by that date. Fortunately, the market for renewables and electric vehicles will advance faster than these gentlemen intend to advance.
You're right. The Paris Agreement is quite unambitious if we remember the little effect of the Kyoto Protocol. In addition, this Agreement does not speak of anything regarding methane emissions, which is another major problem that can cause all the measures taken by this Agreement to be nullified.
Thanks for your comment! =)