The United States is the worlds second biggest carbon emitter. When the US pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord, the global greenhouse gas emissions target set by the agreement seemed like it could be out of reach. Several events in the past four years have potentially changed the tone on the possibility of success for the Paris Climate Accord.
The pledges by countries not included in the accord to reach net zero emissions by the middle of the decade have helped optimism for global goals. China, Japan, and South Korea plan on reaching zero emissions by 2050. President elect Joe Biden also plans on reaching net zero emissions by 2050. It is estimated that by the time Biden steps into office, 63% of all global emissions will be accounted for by some form of net zero plan. If these countries can achieve their goals, the global warming projections will be well within the specifications of the Paris agreement. Only a year ago, 50-100 year climate change projections looked devastating. The unexpected ambition of the worlds largest polluter, China, has motivated other countries.
The coronavirus pandemic has also given some unexpected boosts in pollution reduction. Global emissions have dropped roughly seven percent in 2020, and while this is likely a temporary reduction, government stimulus packages as a result of covid could play a huge role in pollution reduction. Many countries in the European Union have devoted significant funds toward "green" deals. One third of Germany's stimulus package will be directed toward renewable energy and electric vehicles. France is investing heavily in its automotive industry with the goal of becoming Europe's leading electric vehicle producer. The EU itself will be financing renewable energy research and infrastructure for electric vehicle charging.
If these new goals are met by the countries making them, the ambitions of the Paris Climate Accord will likely be realized.
No comments:
Post a Comment