Big challenges ahead at Paris Climate Change Summit
Posted Nov 18, 2015 05:12:01 PM.
Last Updated Nov 18, 2015 05:13:22 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Expectations are high for the Paris Climate Change Summit due to begin on Nov. 30, 2015.
It is expected that world leaders at the summit will create a new mandate to limit carbon emissions. The hope is that leaders will sign an accord stating the average global temperature will not increase by more than two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times.
According to Olaf Weber, a researcher in the University of Waterloo’s School of Environment, the two degrees Celsius benchmark is significant.”If we see an increase in global warming more than two degrees (Celsius) then there is a higher probability of a real significant impact of climate change would be high.” Said Weber.
Currently, based on the climate goals established by each country the current climate change limit is 2.7 degrees Celsius. The main goal of the summit will be to lower the number from 2.7 to 2 degrees Celsius.
Weber says that reaching the goal will be up to the largest carbon producers to lead the way. “What will be quite crucial will be that the powerful countries will do something, and it seems that the U.S. and China agree that they have to do something, and if they agree other countries will follow.” Said Weber.
Despite security concerns the Paris summit is scheduled to start as planned.
