Just days before world leaders meet in a virtual summit to discuss climate change, the United States and China announced they would cooperate together to tackle the climate crisis with the “seriousness and urgency that it demands.”
The two countries are the most polluting in the world, so it certainly looked good to address their roles in the earth’s rising temperature. Some might say it’s a step in the right direction, but that would require either of these countries to really take steps forward.
Which they have not.
As of this writing, no definite, bold actions have been taken or promised.
Recent years have seen no shortage of discussion about climate change and the need for green, renewable energy. But the longer the subject stays a matter of discussion and debate instead of one of action, the less likely it is that emissions are lowered enough to reach the 2030 target outlined in the Paris Agreement.
The human impact on climate change remains a matter of debate. But last year proved that changing our behaviors can, in fact, make a difference.
According to the Rhodium Group, America’s greenhouse gas emissions lowered more than 10% last year as a result of the pandemic’s toll on transportation. The good news is only temporary. Most believe emission rates will rebound as people begin to commute and travel again — unless policies are implemented that would aid in continuing to lower the levels.
It’s been a point driven home in recent weeks as vaccine rollouts continue and news comes that half of all Americans have received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine: This is the time to change.
We’ve known for decades that much of the way we live is not sustainable. Whether that’s through the use of fossil fuels, the excessive production of single-use plastic or the continued harvesting of trees and the risks of monocropping, science has routinely warned us about the dangers of refusing to change.
At the tail end of a period where the whole world has been forced to change, it would be a shame to not take advantage of this opportune moment.
When it comes to reducing emissions, leaders are not without direction on where policies can be altered. Research points to the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing deforestation and better agricultural land management as the fastest ways to make tangible progress.
A greener lifestyle would also bolster and grow economies. A 2018 report estimated that switching to a clean economy could lead to $26 trillion in economic benefits, 65 million new low-carbon jobs and 700,000 fewer pollution-related deaths.
It’s difficult to reason why leaders haven’t worked more diligently to enact better energy policies when one realizes that doing so isn’t really about saving the planet — it’s about saving humanity. In the end, the earth will survive. It’s our responsibility to ensure future generations have a chance to still be around and enjoy a high quality of life.
One year of lower emissions — largely caused by economic shock that will not be replicated — will have little lasting effect on the long term condition of the planet. What it can have is an impact on how we view our own habits (now changed), and that can have lasting impact on the planet.
Biden’s Earth Day climate summit could be a source of real change, and could return the U.S. back toward a leadership position in climate science. To prove the country deserves that spot, it will take a lot more than words or promises.