On December 11, 2015 a historic climate deal was made. The Paris climate agreement requires both developed and developing countries to limit their emissions to relatively safe levels of 2C with an aspiration of 1.5C. There will be regular reviews with scientific advice to assist countries in making these goals, and poor nations will receive finance to not only cut emissions, but to cope with the effects of extreme weather. Another piece of this agreement provides urgent aid to countries impacted by climate-related disasters. Indeed, this agreement is one of the first of its kind and shows a powerful step forward for the environment and the safety of the life that depends on it.
Despite the historic nature of this agreement, however, it still leaves a lot to be desired. Many pieces of the agreement are not legally binding, which means that 1) there is little to no legal repercussions for violating the agreement and 2) a change in leadership would allow for nations to renege on their commitments. Furthermore, the lack of robust enforcement of this agreement allows for a loose cap on emissions, which may result in missing the goal of 2C and increase temperatures a dangerous 3C, exacerbating climate change and the disasters that come along with it.
Throughout the agreement process, millions took to the street globally, and their message was clear: this agreement is a great start, but it’s not enough.
Many cities in Wisconsin hosted actions in response to the Paris agreement: Eau Claire, La Crosse, Madison, and Milwaukee, just to name a few. Below are statements and pictures from those who attended or helped plan these actions.
Eau Claire, November 29
Nearly 100 people gathered outside the Energy Education Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin USA on the eve of the Paris climate talks to demand that the world find a solution to climate change by turning off fossil fuels, and turning on renewable energy!
Photo by Kevin Szymanski
La Crosse, November 29 and December 12
Our goal was to spread the word that climate change is not just something that we have to worry about for the future, it's happening now around the world, and we need to act now to minimize the damage. To follow-up on these events, we've formed the Coulee Region Climate Alliance, which connects regional groups to encourage and facilitate effective action to fight catastrophic climate change.
Please check out our new blog at http://couleeregionclimatealliance.blogspot.com/
Madison, December 12
The Madison event was called Hold the Line on Fossil Fuel #KeepItInTheGround. As many as 200 individuals attended voicing their concerns over the harmful impact that Big Oil has on the planet and the people. Kate Shulte, one of the organizers, reflected on the event, stating, “I was very happy to share my concers and speak of tar sands danger with these folks.” The Enbridge Octopus even made an appearance!
Photo by Carl Whiting.
Milwaukee, November 28
Approximately 300 people attended, including many Sierra Club members (pictured here)
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These events were just a select few examples of the demand from citizens for a safer and healthier climate and a switch from fossil fuels to clean energy. This historic international agreement is what the American people (and Wisconsinites) demanded, what future generations deserve, and what the world needs. It’s up to us to continue to raise our voices on behalf of the climate and future generations to assure that this agreement will not just be met, but that a shift to 100% clean energy will be achieved.