Global climate change is a heavy set of words that is often hard for people to swallow. This is because it can often be misconstrued and seemingly challenged by our politicians in some popular cases that a lot of us may be familiar with. Thankfully, a new study from Tyndall Centre at the University of East Anglia, has just made it easier to believe in public policy and the bright direction of change that can come with it. The study announced that 18 developed countries are reducing their carbon emissions. These include countries such as the United States, Germany, and France who have supported both renewable and efficient energy sources. The 18 countries are also responsible for a big chunk of our global emissions, contributing to a total of 28%.
Dr Charlie Wilson, from the university, said: “New scientific research on climate change tends to ring the alarm bells ever more loudly. Our findings add a thin sliver of hope. It is possible for countries to peak and then decline their emissions year in, year out.”
The study also concluded that when all countries on our planet focus on implementing more energy efficiency policies, they experience a decrease in emissions. However, only developed countries have decreased emissions with regards to when they implement renewable energy policies. Either way, this shows that putting more pressure on our politicians to implement policy can have significant impacts. It also shows that politicians are capable of listening to scientists about their publications when guiding public policy to combat climate change.
Dr. Wilson also stated, “Eighteen countries so far have shown us how concerted policy ambition and action on energy efficiency, renewables, and climate targets can work. Now we must make sure these early precedents become the rule not the exception. This is a huge global challenge.” This study is a step in the right direction; an example that must continue its traction.
In conclusion there is still work ahead, and climate change remains a heavy set of words that can only be carried together globally. We also must make sure to avoid the opposite effect of leaving people wanting to toss it away in the wind of their thoughts. It can push people into dark corners, but it’s also important to remember we can choose if it will silence or make a crowd boom. People are ready to give that extra nudge to politicians through strikes, debate, and scientific findings by professionals who care about the future, and it’s evidently paying off in a positive direction. This is a passionate topic of interest that is, and will continue to impact our planet. It’s important to remember that effort can pay off, whether it is being an active member in protest, supporting politicians willing to adopt these policies, or working professionally. Now that there is a shoe in the door for public policy adopting renewable and efficient sources of energy, we can continue to hope that these major shifts will continue to grow, and we can stand by as strong, active participants.
Can you guess which countries make this list? How much carbon do you think these countries already produce?