As the world grapples with the existential threat of climate change, it’s easy to get caught up in the doom and gloom narrative. Politicians promise to save the planet, activists cry out for more drastic action, and scientists warn of catastrophic consequences. But what if I told you that, despite the dire predictions, international agreements on climate change are actually working?
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It’s not that the efforts are sufficient, or that the threat is diminished. But, in fact, the commitments made by countries through agreements like the Paris Agreement, the Kyoto Protocol, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) have led to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, increased investment in renewable energy, and a growing global understanding of the importance of climate action.
The Paris Agreement, in particular, has been hailed as a landmark achievement in international cooperation on climate change. Signed by almost 200 countries in 2015, it set a goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. Although the agreement’s ambition has been criticized, its impact cannot be overstated. The agreement has helped to spur a global shift towards cleaner energy, with renewable energy capacity increasing by over 20% in 2020 alone.
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So, why are we still talking about the failures of climate action, rather than celebrating the successes? One reason is that the narrative around climate change is often dominated by the most vulnerable countries, which are indeed facing the most severe impacts. These countries have every right to demand action, and their voices must be amplified. However, this focus on the most vulnerable can create a narrative that implies that climate change is a problem that only affects developing countries, when in fact, it is a global issue that requires a global response.
Another reason is that the way we measure success in climate change is often narrow and short-sighted. We focus on the number of emissions reductions, but neglect the broader social and economic impacts of climate action. We prioritize the interests of corporations and governments over those of local communities and indigenous peoples. And we overlook the many ways in which climate change is already being addressed, from grassroots activism to innovative technologies.
The truth is, international agreements on climate change are not a panacea for the problem, but they are an essential part of the solution. They provide a framework for countries to work together, share knowledge and best practices, and coordinate their efforts. They also help to build trust and foster cooperation, which is critical for tackling a global problem like climate change.
So, what’s the elephant in the room? It’s not that international agreements on climate change are failing, but that we’re focusing on the wrong thing. Instead of beating ourselves up over the failures, we should be celebrating the successes and building on them. We should be focusing on the ways in which climate action can create jobs, stimulate innovation, and promote social justice. And we should be working together to address the root causes of climate change, rather than just its symptoms.
The future of the planet is uncertain, but one thing is clear: we need to work together to address climate change. And that means recognizing the value of international agreements, celebrating their successes, and building on them to create a more just and sustainable world.
