The time to act is now
At long last governments are beginning to realise the true enormity of the threat of global warming.
Through the work of the United Nations Environment Programme, they have now negotiated an international agreement to limit greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the impact of climate change.
Priorities for action include:- using less energy, as most energy is produced by burning fossil fuels — coal, gas or oil
- reducing dependence on fossil fuels by switching to other sources of energy which do less harm to the environment
- protecting the world's remaining forests and encouraging appropriate reforestation
- totally eliminating production and use of halocarbons, such as the chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs, and related chemicals
- finding ways to reduce agricultural emissions without damaging food production
- putting in place measures to protect people and natural ecosystems against the forthcoming climate change and sea level rise and to help adaptation to the changing environment
- supporting those nations who do not have the resources needed to limit their contribution to global warming and protect themselves against environmental change
But the current targets for emissions control under the climate treaty are not sufficient to halt global warming.
And implementing the convention will take time — international protocols must be agreed upon, legislation must be devised, laws must be passed and measures must be put into action. It could be many years before we see any substantial result.
As individuals, we don't have to wait. We are free to act now and our actions will have an immediate effect.
We can reduce the threat of global warming and, as we do so, create an atmosphere in which our politicians will move faster and more effectively, motivated and supported by public pressure and opinion.
While the primary responsibility for dealing with the greenhouse problem must rest with government, commerce and industry, we all have a role to play.
This guide provides a starting point.
Mick Kelly and Sarah Granich
Tiempo Climate Cyberlibrary
Tigger
Reforest the Earth
Jeremy Rifkin
Greenhouse Crisis Foundation