Communities around the world have been embracing clean energy. This has driven down costs, accelerated policy change and allowed business to invest with confidence in the now unstoppable transition away from traditional fossil fuels.
The signal from Paris is made all the more clear by the fact that 195 nations have signed up to the agreement, and 186 submitted their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) prior to the conference.
It sometimes seems that the countries of the United Nations can unite on nothing, but nearly two hundred countries have come together and agreed a deal. Today the human race has joined in a common cause, but it's what happens after this conference that really matters. The Paris Agreement is only one step on a long road, and there are parts of it that frustrate and disappoint me, but it is progress. This deal alone won't dig us out the hole we're in, but it makes the sides less steep.
What makes Paris significant is the unprecedented momentum toward clean energy at business, city, state and community levels.
Paris delivered powerful new commitments, that sit alongside the main 190 nation agreement, to invest in renewable energy generation, divest from fossil fuels and drive innovation.
Perhaps the most striking impact of COP21 has been the way it has galvanised and re-enthused civil society to take action at all levels. Importantly, action networks have been strengthened dramatically. Specifically, a superb outcome has been the new and ongoing linkages that have been forged between people in vulnerable communities on the frontline of climate change and the global activist networks that are based in the rich world. Motivation to keep fighting for climate justice – not just climate agreements – is stronger than ever.
So why only two and a half cheers for the Paris Agreement, not three?
It is a deal in which the interests of the poorest … have again been overlooked.
Focus on genuine, effective action rather than false solutions.
However, the new tools at our disposal, the strengthened global networks, the momentum from COP21, the incorporation of the 1.5 degree "aspirational" target – all of these must give renewed vigour to civil society to hold our governments to account. Now more than ever civil society has to engage with politicians, businesses and banks to ensure the fine words of the Paris Agreement are implemented and surpassed.
As a first baby-step in the right direction, the Australian Federal Government has finally lifted the ridiculous ban on wind farm investment first introduced by former Prime Minister Tony Abbott. But bolder steps will only be taken if the Government is pushed by the electorate to match the Paris Agreement with radical action.
One thing we can be sure of: there will be blow-back against the Agreement from lobbyists who represent the old economy of dirty polluting industry.
But civil society has the numbers. The power is ours through our wallets, our votes and the activist organisations we choose to support. That's why for me the glass is two-thirds full.
This agreement is for those of us whose identity, whose culture, whose ancestors, whose whole being, is bound to their lands. I have only spoken about myself and my islands but the same story will play out everywhere in the world… Sometimes when you want to make a change, then it is necessary to turn the world upside down… This agreement should be the turning point in our story – a turning point for all of us.
The world has turned a corner. I am so proud of my many friends who have done more than their bit to reach today. Let's be clear this began in the shambles of Copenhagen but hats off to the French for a superb example of diplomacy.
This entry was posted in Activism, Climate change, Environment, Human Rights, Renewable Energy and tagged 350.org, Erwin Jackson, George Monbiot, Greenpeace, Kellie Caught, Kumi Naidoo, May Boeve, Oxfam, The Climate Institute, Tim Gore, WWF-Australia by Brian Loffler. Bookmark the permalink.