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Nearly 200 countries met in Paris at the 2015 Climate
Conference sponsored by the United Nations earlier this month. Leaders reached an historic agreement to
reduce emissions of atmospheric pollutants such as carbon and sulfur
dioxides. The primary sources of
man-made emissions of such compounds come through the production of energy and
in transportation.
World leaders approved a framework agreement to help reduce
emissions starting in 2020. Although
this agreement is the first of its kind, some advocates don’t think it goes far
enough in reducing carbon emissions, while others have concerns about the cost of
using cleaner technology.
Prior initiatives have only called on the industrialized
nations of Europe and North America to reduce emissions, while large developing
countries in Asia and South America were exempt. Past attempts to institute a widespread
“carbon tax” have also failed. A carbon
tax wasn’t part of this new accord reached in Paris though. However, some places such as the Canadian
Province of British Columbia do have a carbon tax that’s levied on the carbon
content of fuels.
Most scientists believe the Paris agreement – calling
for the reduction in emissions of carbon and other pollutants – is necessary to
limit any further rise in global temperature to less than 2 degrees
Celsius. Living more sustainably is
something that everyone should be doing anyway – irrespective of where they
live. Using alternative energy sources
such as solar and wind power to produce electricity is essential.
Americans can reduce their carbon footprint by driving
less and choosing to take public transportation, combine trips and walk or bike
when possible. Driving a fuel-efficient
vehicle and recycling are also important.
There are things homeowners can do such as using appliances labeled
“Energy Star” that are certified as being energy-efficient. Many jurisdictions also offer tax credits as
an incentive for using “Energy Star” certified appliances. Plus, there is the tangible benefit of lower
power bills for using appliances that require less electricity.
There is a scientific consensus that man-made
pollution has significantly increased since the Industrial Revolution and
should be reduced. In my view,
curtailing pollution through more sustainable living is something everyone
should be doing anyway. The
ground-breaking agreement reached in Paris made this a similar goal for
communities around the world.
