Climate change-A deal in Durban
Climate change A deal in Durban
IN THE early hours of December 11th, after three days and nights of exhausting, often ill-tempered, final negotiations, the UN’s two-week-long climate-change summit ended in Durban with an agreement.
Its terms—assuming they are acted upon—are unlikely to be sufficient to prevent a global temperature rise of more than 2°C. They might easily allow a 4°C rise. Yet with many governments distracted by pressing economic worries, the deal was as much as could have been expected from Durban; perhaps a little more.
The core of it is, in effect, a quid-pro-quo arrangement between the European Union and big developing-country polluters, including China and India. For its part, the EU will undertake a second round of emissions abatement under the Kyoto protocol, after its main provisions expire at the end of 2012. That will prolong the shelf-life of a treaty that imposes no emissions-cutting burden on any developing country.
In return, all countries have agreed to negotiate a new mitigation regime by 2015 and make it operational by 2020. Crucially, this new regime will see the burden of emission-cutting shared among all countries, even if rich ones will still be expected to do much more than poorer countries.
This commitment, which was reached despite last-ditch resistance from China and India, and despite little enthusiasm for it from America, looks like the Durban summit’s biggest achievement. It promises to break a divisive and anachronistic distinction between developed and developing countries, which has thoroughly poisoned the waters of the UN process. It has also rendered it ineffective, given that the so-called developing countries given a free pass under Kyoto, including South Korea and Saudi Arabia as well as China and India, are now responsible for 58% of global emissions.
That is why the biggest developing-country polluters, chiefly China and India, were so reluctant to relinquish their freedom to pollute. With most other elements of a deal in place, almost 36 hours after the climate summit was due to have ended, the Indians were the last major obstacle to it. Their particular objection was to the insistence of the EU and its allies that the successor to Kyoto must be legally binding on all countries. “Am I to write a blank cheque and sign away the livelihoods and sustainability of 1.2 billion Indians, without even knowing what [the new agreement] contains?” asked the Indian environment minister, JayantiNatarajan. “I wonder if this is an agenda to shift the blame on to countries who are not responsible [for climate change].”
With the prospect of no deal looming, the Europeans and Indian delegations were urged to go “into a huddle” in the middle of the conference hall and work out a compromise. They did so and, as per a Brazilian suggestion, agreed that the putative new deal would be “a protocol, another legal instrument or an agreed outcome with legal force.” What that may mean is anyone’s guess. It was sufficient for the EU, whose belief in legally enforceable international agreements is shared by the Brazilians, to claim success. Yet it is also unclear how important this distinction really is. The Kyoto protocol is legally binding, but contains no provisions to enforce penalties against those who fail in their mitigation endeavours. This has allowed Canada to overshoot its target, massively, with impunity. Unless penalties for failure are inserted into the successor protocol, or instrument, or outcome—which China and India would almost certainly not allow—it is hard to imagine how it would have greater force.
A more important issue will be the scale of the future regime’s ambition to curb global warming, as reflected in the mitigation targets countries assume under it. The Durban agreement includes an acknowledgement that there is a widening gap between the mitigation efforts currently promised and those required to keep warming within the broadly recognised 2°C safety limit. It remains to be seen whether this will spur countries to take the costly actions that closing this gap would require. The inadequacy of action on climate change hitherto suggests it may not.
Agreement was also reached in Durban on a package of other climate-friendly additional measures. Perhaps most notably, they included agreement on the broad design of a global Green Climate Fund, which will funnel some of the $100 billion that rich countries have promised to make available to poor ones by 2020, to help them cut emissions and adapt to climate change. Again, there was no agreement—and little discussion—on the important question of where the money will be found.
气候变化的英语作文
气候变化的英语作文英文回答：Climate change is a pressing issue that affects the entire planet. The increase in greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, has led to a rise in global temperatures, resulting in more frequent and severe weather events, melting ice caps, and rising sea levels. This not only threatens the environment and wildlife but also has a significant impact on human lives and livelihoods.For example, in my hometown, we have experienced more intense and prolonged heatwaves in recent years. This has had a direct impact on agriculture, with crops suffering from drought and extreme temperatures. Farmers are struggling to adapt to these changing conditions, and it has become increasingly challenging to predict and plan for the growing season.Furthermore, extreme weather events, such as hurricanesand floods, have become more frequent, causing widespread destruction and displacement of communities. Just last year, a powerful hurricane hit our coastal region, causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Many families were forced to evacuate, and the recovery process has been slow and difficult.中文回答：气候变化是一个紧迫的问题，影响着整个地球。
2023年高考英语外刊时文精读专题05气候变化零碳排放(含答案)
高考英语外刊时文精读专题：2023年高考英语外刊时文精读精练 (5)Climate change气候变化Heat island热岛主题语境：人与自然主题语境内容：人与环境【外刊原文】（斜体单词为超纲词汇，认识即可；下划线单词为课标词汇，需熟记。
）On March 13th, as commuters（每日往返上班者）streamed out of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus,a gothic revival masterpiece（哥特式复兴建筑——贾特拉帕蒂·希瓦吉终点站）in Mumbai, India’s commercial capital, they were confronted with temperatures approaching40°C, nearly7°C above normal for the time of year. The city is in the midst of a debilitating heatwave, its 13th in the past five decades, nearly half of which occurred in the past 15 years. Mumbai’s average temperature has increased by over 1°C in that period.Had those commuters crossed the street from the station and entered the city’s grand headquarters that day, they might have found cause for optimism. That afternoon politicians from the authority and the state of Maharashtra, of which Mumbai is the capital, had gathered to unveil（揭露）a “climate action plan”. The city aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, two decades earlier than the target set by the national government.Mumbai is extremely vulnerable to climate change.A narrow and densely populated（人口密集的）island, surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea, it is attacked by monsoon(季候风) rains for four months a year and routinely subject to flooding, especially during high tide. That is bad enough for thecity’s apartment-dwellers（公寓居民）. But it is even worse for the 42% of the population who live in slums（贫民窟）, which are likely to be washed away or buried by landslides（山体滑坡）.The key of the plan is a proposal to decarbonise（去碳化）Mumbai’s energy. Generating the city’s electricity, which produces nearly two-thirds of the city’s emissions, relies mostly on burning fossil fuels, particularly coal. The city wants to increase the share of renewables （可再生资源）. It is looking, for instanceinto installing solar panels（装太阳能电池板）on rooftops.Another priority is to improve the quality andefficiency of the city’s buildings.Slums, especially, are heat islands. Made of whatever materials are at hand or cheaply available, they are five or six degrees hotter than structures of good quality, making them, as the report puts it, “uninhabitable(不适于居住的)” on hot days. Moreover, the heat, damp and cramped(狭窄的)conditions make slum residents more vulnerable to disease—a less obvious risk of climate change.The plan is, however, short on details of how to achieve its ambition s. Still, in publishing one at all Mumbai has led the way among South Asian metropolises(大都市). Other cities are keen to follow suit, says Shruti Narayan of C40, who helped with the report. Chennai and Bangalore in the south have started work on their plans. Others, including Delhi and Kolkata in India, Dhaka in Bangladesh and Karachi in Pakistan have expressed interest in doing something similar.There is plenty in Mumbai’s240-page document to inspire them. One is the fact that it does not rely on using technologies that do not yet exist, a criticism at many countries’ national proposals. Another is the attention given to adaptation(coping with all the bad things already happening) and not just reducing future emissions.Details may anyway be beside the point. The real value of Mumbai’s plan is as a signalling device(信号装置)that “focuses the attention of policymakers”, states Abhas Jha, a climate specialist at the World Bank. The Paris Agreement, which committed the world to the goal of keeping the rise in temperatures to less than 2°C above pre-industrial levels, worked in much the same way, leaving countries to hash out details later. Time, though, is getting ever shorter.【课标词汇】1.stream（一群人，东西）涌，涌动；流动He was watching the taxis streaming past.他看着出租车一辆接着一辆地驶过。
climate change 英文释义
Climate change refers to long-term changes in the average temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions in the Earth's climate system. It is often used interchangeably with the term "global warming," although climate change epasses a broader range of changes beyond just rising temperatures. The issue of climate change has be a major global concern in recent decades, as it poses significant threats to the environment, human societies, and ecosystems worldwide.1. Causes of Climate ChangeClimate change is primarily driven by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for energy production and transportation is the largest source of these emissions. Deforestation, industrial processes, agricultural practices, and waste management also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. These gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect. This causes the Earth's surface temperature to rise, resulting in global warming and changes in climate patterns.2. Effects of Climate ChangeThe impacts of climate change are far-reaching and diverse, affecting various aspects of the natural environment, human health, and socio-economic systems. Rising temperatures can lead to more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires, as well as melting polar ice caps and rising sea levels. Changes in precipitation patterns may result in more intense r 本人nfall, flooding, and storms in some regions, while others experience prolonged periods of drought and water scarcity. These changes can disrupt ecosystems, agricultural productivity, and water resources, posing risks to food security and human livelihoods.3. Climate change also poses significant health risks, as it can increase the spread of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, and exacerbate 本人r pollution and respiratory illnesses. In addition, the social and economic impacts of climate change are profound, as it can lead to displacement ofmunities, loss of livelihoods, and exacerbate social inequalities. Vulnerable populations, including the poor, indigenous peoples, and marginalizedmunities, are often the most affected by these impacts.4. Mitigation and Adaptation StrategiesAddressing climate change requires aprehensive approach that involves both mitigation and adaptation strategies. Mitigation involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing policies to limit emissions from various sectors. International efforts, such as the Paris Agreement, 本人m to coordinate global action to limit temperature rise and mitigate the impacts of climate change.5. Adaptation strategies focus on building resilience to the impacts of climate change, such as investing in infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events, implementing water conservation measures, and developing early warning systems for natural disasters. These strategies also include efforts to support vulnerablemunities and ecosystems, and to promote sust本人nable development practices that minimize the impacts of climate change.6. Role of Individuals and SocietyIndividuals and societies can also play a crucial role in addressing climate change by adopting sust本人nable lifestyles, reducing energy consumption, and supporting policies andinitiatives that promote environmental stewardship. This can include using public transportation, reducing waste and recycling, supporting renewable energy, and advocating for climate action at local, national, and global levels. Education and awareness-r本人sing efforts are also essential to mobilize public support and behavior change towards climate-friendly practices.7. ConclusionIn conclusion, climate change is a pressing global issue that requires collective action and coordinated efforts at all levels to mitigate its impacts and build resilience to its effects. By understanding the causes and consequences of climate change, and implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to its impacts, it is possible to address this challenge and work towards a more sust本人nable and resilient future for our planet and future generations.。
关于气候变化的英语作文
关于气候变化的英语作文Climate change is an undeniable phenomenon that has been impacting our planet in profound ways. It is a complex issue that involves various factors such as increasing global temperatures, rising sea levels, and shifting weather patterns. As an English teacher, I would encourage studentsto write essays that explore this topic critically and thoughtfully.Introduction:Begin your essay by introducing the concept of climate change. You might define it as a long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth's local, regional, and global climates. Mention how it has become a pressing global concern due to its potential to disrupt ecosystems, economies, and societies.Causes:Discuss the primary causes of climate change. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities are major contributors to the increase in greenhouse gases suchas carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Explain how these gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading tothe greenhouse effect and global warming.Effects:Describe the effects of climate change on the environment and human life. This could include more frequent and severeweather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves. Discuss the melting of polar ice caps, which leads to rising sea levels and threatens coastal communities. Also, touchupon the impact on biodiversity, as many species arestruggling to adapt to rapidly changing habitats.Human Impact:Explain how climate change affects human societies. Thiscould include issues like food security, as changing weather patterns can disrupt agricultural production. Health concerns, such as the spread of vector-borne diseases, are also a significant aspect to consider.Mitigation and Adaptation:Discuss the efforts being made to mitigate climate change, such as the Paris Agreement and the transition to renewable energy sources. Also, talk about adaptation strategies, like building resilient infrastructure and developing earlywarning systems for natural disasters.Conclusion:Conclude your essay by emphasizing the importance ofcollective action. Climate change is a global challenge that requires international cooperation and individual responsibility. Encourage readers to consider their own rolein addressing this issue and to support policies andpractices that promote sustainability.Call to Action:End with a call to action, urging readers to educate themselves further on climate change, to reduce their carbonfootprint, and to advocate for environmental policies that can help mitigate the effects of climate change.Remember to use a variety of sentence structures and vocabulary to make your essay engaging and informative. Additionally, providing specific examples and data can help to strengthen your arguments and make your essay more persuasive.。
关于气候变化的英语作文
关于气候变化的英语作文Title: Climate Change。
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing our planet today. It refers to the long-term changes in the Earth's climate, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns. The scientific consensus is that these changes are largely driven by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.The effects of climate change are already being felt around the world. Rising temperatures are causing glaciers to melt, sea levels to rise, and extreme weather events to become more frequent and severe. These changes are having a profound impact on ecosystems, agriculture, and human societies.One of the biggest challenges in addressing climate change is reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These gases,such as carbon dioxide, trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and contribute to global warming. To reduce emissions, we need to transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. We also need to promote energy efficiency and conservation, and work to reduce deforestation and other land use changes.Another important aspect of addressing climate changeis adapting to its impacts. This means preparing for more frequent and severe weather events, protecting vulnerable communities and ecosystems, and developing new technologies and practices to help us cope with the changing climate.There are many steps that individuals can take to help address climate change. These include reducing energy use at home, driving less or switching to a more fuel-efficient vehicle, eating a plant-based diet, and supporting policies and initiatives that promote renewable energy and sustainability.In conclusion, climate change is a complex and urgent issue that requires action at all levels, from individualsto governments to international organizations. By working together and taking bold steps to reduce emissions andadapt to the changing climate, we can help ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and for future generations.。
减缓气候变化的英语作文
减缓气候变化的英语作文题目，Mitigating Climate Change: A Call to Action。
Climate change, an imminent threat to our planet, demands urgent attention and decisive action from every individual, community, and nation. In the face of rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, extreme weather events, and diminishing biodiversity, it is imperative that we collectively strive to mitigate this crisis. This essay explores the multifaceted nature of climate change and presents a comprehensive framework for tackling it, drawing inspiration from widely circulated online essays while offering original insights and perspectives.At the heart of the climate change crisis lies the excessive emission of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), largely driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. These emissions trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to aphenomenon known as global warming. To combat this, transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower is paramount. By investing in clean energy infrastructure and phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, governments can accelerate the shift towards a low-carbon economy, simultaneously creating jobs and fostering sustainable development.However, addressing climate change requires more than just technological solutions; it necessitates a fundamental shift in societal attitudes and behaviors. Education and awareness campaigns play a crucial role in this regard, empowering individuals to make informed choices and adopt eco-friendly lifestyles. From reducing energy consumption and adopting sustainable transportation options topracticing mindful consumption and promoting circular economy principles, there are myriad ways in which individuals can contribute to reducing their carbon footprint.Furthermore, safeguarding our natural ecosystems is essential for mitigating climate change and enhancingresilience to its impacts. Forests, wetlands, and oceans act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it in biomass and soil. Therefore, preserving and restoring these ecosystems is paramount. Afforestation and reforestation initiatives not only sequester carbon but also provide habitat for biodiversity and mitigate soil erosion. Similarly, protecting marine ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves not only mitigates ocean acidification but also buffers coastal communities against storm surges and sea-level rise.In addition to mitigation efforts, adaptation strategies are crucial for coping with the unavoidable impacts of climate change. Building climate-resilient infrastructure, implementing early warning systems for extreme weather events, and enhancing agricultural practices to withstand changing climatic conditions are essential aspects of adaptation. Moreover, fostering international cooperation and solidarity is indispensable for addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities, particularly in developing countries.In conclusion, mitigating climate change requires a concerted effort at the individual, community, and global levels. By embracing renewable energy, adopting sustainable lifestyles, preserving ecosystems, and promoting adaptation measures, we can collectively mitigate the impacts of climate change and safeguard the future of our planet for generations to come. Let us heed the call to action and embark on this transformative journey towards a more sustainable and resilient world. Together, we can make a difference.This essay draws inspiration from the structure and key points of widely circulated online essays on mitigating climate change while offering original insights and perspectives. Through an in-depth analysis of the causes, impacts, and solutions to climate change, it provides a comprehensive framework for addressing this pressing global challenge.。
考研英语阅读climate change
World must adapt to unknown climate future, says IPCCThere is still great uncertainty about the impacts of climate change, according to the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, released today. So if we are to survive and prosper, rather than trying to fend off specific threats like cyclones, we must build flexible and resilient societies.Today's report is the second of three instalments of the IPCC's fifth assessment of climate change. The first instalment, released last year, covered the physical science of climate change. It stated with increased certainty that climate change is happening, and that it is the result of humanity's greenhouse gas emissions. The new report focuses on the impacts of climate change and how to adapt to them. The third instalment, on how to cut greenhouse gas emissions, comes out in April.The latest report backs off from some of the predictions made in the previous IPCC report, in 2007. During the final editing process, the authors also retreated from many of the more confident projections from the final draft, leaked last year. The IPCC now says it often cannot predict which specific impacts of climate change – such as droughts, storms or floods – will hit particular places.Instead, the IPCC focuses on how people can adapt in the face of uncertainty, arguing that we must become resilient against diverse changes in the climate."The natural human tendency is to want things to be clear and simple," says the report'sco-chair Chris Field of the Carnegie Institution for Science in Stanford, California. "And one of the messages that doesn't just come from the IPCC, it comes from history, is that the future doesn't ever turn out the way you think it will be." That means, Field adds, that "being prepared for a wide range of possible futures is just always smart".Here New Scientist breaks down what is new in the report, and what it means for humanity's efforts to cope with a changing climate. A companion article, "How climate change will affect where you live", highlights some of the key impacts that different regions are facing.What has changed in the new IPCC report?In essence, the predictions are intentionally more vague. Much of the firmer language from the 2007 report about exactly what kind of weather to expect, and how changes will affect people, has been replaced with more cautious statements. The scale and timing of many regional impacts, and even the form of some, now appear uncertain.For example, the 2007 report predicted that the intensity of cyclones over Asia would increase by 10 to 20 per cent. The new report makes no such claim. Similarly, the last report estimated that climate change would force up to a quarter of a billion Africans into water shortage by the end of this decade. The new report avoids using such firm numbers.The report has even watered down many of the more confident predictions that appeared in the leaked drafts. References to "hundreds of millions" of people being affected by rising sea levels have been removed from the summary, as have statements about the impact of warmer temperatures on crops."I think it's gone back a bit," says Jean Palutikof of Griffith University in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, who worked on the 2007 report. "That may be a good thing. In the fourth [climate assessment] we tried to do things that weren't really possible and the fifth has sort of rebalanced the whole thing."So do we know less than we did before?Not really, says Andy Pitman of the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. It is just more rigorous language. "Pointing to the sign of the change, rather than the precise magnitude of the change, is scientifically more defensible," he says.We also know more about what we don't know, says David Karoly at the University of Melbourne. "There is now a better understanding of uncertainties in regional climate projections at decadal timescales.""If your system is vulnerable to the total amount of rainfall, I kind of think we're getting to know that," says Pitman. "If however your system is vulnerable to the timing of rainfall, that's hard. If your system is vulnerable to the intensity of rainfall, that is very hard."Are we less confident about all the impacts of climate change?Not quite. There are still plenty of confident predictions of impacts in the report – at least in the draft chapters that were leaked last year, and which are expected to be roughly the same when they are released later this week. These include more rain in parts of Africa, more heatwaves in southern Europe, and more frequent droughts in Australia (see "How climate change will affect where you live"). It also remains clear that the seas are rising.How do we prepare in cases in which there is low confidence about the effects of climate change?That's exactly what this report deals with. In many cases, the uncertainty is a matter of magnitude, so the choices are not hard. "It doesn't really matter if the car hits the wall at 70 or 80 kilometres an hour," says Karoly. "You should still wear your seat belt." So when it comes to sea-level rise or heatwaves, the uncertainty does not change what we need to do; build sea walls, use efficient cooling and so forth.。
气候变化全英文climate change讲义版
Climate Change
member
Jony Tessie Mandy Betty
DEFINITION
Climate change, mainly in three areas: Global Warming Acid Deposition Ozone Depletion
REASONS
1.(1)The change of solar radiation
(2)Volcanic eruption
(3)the influence of Cosmic
2. Anthropogenic factors
(1)Cut trees ,destroy many forest and many grasslands become desert
(6) A increasing population factor
(7) Nuclear leak
INFLUENCE
1 Global warming 2 The extreme weather 3 Species extinction 4 Sea-level rise 5 The food production 6 Air pollution
(2)Freon using and Ozone Depletion
(3)The water reducing
(4)The factory release poison gas to these waste gas, like CO2, CO, CH4:
Thanks
• Please take good care of the environment
3 Human activity's adaptation change and with the climatic change the interaction
气候变化会议概要(英文版)
气候变化会议概要(英文版)Climate Change Conference SummaryThe Climate Change Conference was held with the aim of addressing the pressing issue of global warming and its impact on the environment. The conference brought together scientists, policymakers, and experts from around the world to discuss and explore potential solutions to mitigate climate change.The conference began with an opening ceremony, where renowned environmental activists and leaders emphasized the urgency and importance of addressing climate change. They highlighted the devastating consequences of rising global temperatures, including natural disasters, sea-level rise, and the loss of biodiversity. The need for immediate action was stressed, urging global unity and collaboration to tackle this global challenge.The first session of the conference focused on the scientific evidence of climate change. Prominent scientists presented their research findings, demonstrating the clear correlation between human activities and global warming. It was emphasized that greenhouse gas emissions, primarily caused by burning fossil fuels and deforestation, were the main drivers of climate change. The session concluded that urgent and drastic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions was imperative to mitigate the impacts of climate change.The second session of the conference delved into the impacts of climate change on different sectors. Experts presented case studies and research on various sectors, including agriculture, waterresources, health, and energy. It was highlighted that these sectors were highly vulnerable to climate change and required immediate adaptation measures. Increased heatwaves, droughts, and floods were identified as the major threats to agricultural productivity and food security. Moreover, experts emphasized the need to invest in renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.The third session of the conference focused on policy measures and international cooperation to address climate change. Policymakers and representatives from different countries presented their initiatives and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development. It was emphasized that global cooperation, through international agreements and partnerships, was essential to effectively combat climate change. The Paris Agreement, which aimed to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, was discussed extensively. The session stressed the need for countries to fulfill their commitments and enhance their efforts to achieve the goals outlined in the agreement.The fourth session of the conference concentrated on financing climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. Experts presented innovative financing mechanisms and strategies to mobilize funds for climate change projects. It was emphasized that developed countries should provide financial support to developing nations to assist in their efforts to adapt to climate change and transition to low-carbon economies. The importance of private sector engagement, through investments in clean technologies and sustainable practices, was also highlighted.The conference concluded with a call to action, where delegates emphasized the need for immediate and ambitious measures to address climate change. The importance of public awareness and education on climate change was stressed, encouraging individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. The conference emphasized the role of youth in driving change and urged governments to involve and empower young people in decision-making processes.In conclusion, the Climate Change Conference provided a platform for discussions and collaborations on addressing climate change. The conference highlighted the urgency of the issue and called for immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change, and transition to a sustainable future. Global cooperation, innovative financing, and public awareness were identified as key elements in mitigating the impacts of climate change. It is imperative that the outcomes of this conference serve as a catalyst for urgent and decisive action to preserve our planet for future generations.Continued:One important aspect that was discussed during the conference was the role of technology in tackling climate change. Experts presented innovative technological solutions that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. These technologies include renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, as well as energy-efficient buildings and transportation systems. It was emphasized that investing in these technologies is not only crucial for mitigating climate change but also presents economic opportunities and jobcreation.Another significant topic that was addressed during the conference was the need for nature-based solutions to combat climate change. Nature-based solutions involve preserving and restoring ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, and coral reefs, which can help sequester carbon dioxide and provide resilience against climate change impacts. Experts highlighted the importance of conserving biodiversity and implementing sustainable land use practices to safeguard these vital ecosystems. Furthermore, it was recognized that indigenous communities have valuable knowledge and traditional practices that can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.The conference also emphasized the importance of gender equality in climate action. Women are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change, yet they play a crucial role as agents of change and decision-makers in their communities. It was highlighted that empowering women and ensuring their active participation in climate change initiatives can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions. Moreover, gender-responsive policies and strategies were discussed, recognizing the need to address gender inequalities and promote women's leadership in climate action.In addition to the formal sessions, the conference provided opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing among participants. Various side events and exhibitions provided a platform for organizations and individuals to showcase their climate change initiatives and share best practices. Theseinteractions fostered collaboration and inspired new ideas for addressing climate change.The conference also witnessed the launch of several important initiatives and commitments. Many countries and organizations announced ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing investments in renewable energy and climate resilience. For example, several countries pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, demonstrating their commitment to a low-carbon future. Furthermore, private sector entities and financial institutions committed to divest from fossil fuel projects and support green investments. These commitments and initiatives are expected to accelerate climate action and drive the global transition to a sustainable and resilient future.However, while the conference achieved significant progress, challenges and disagreements were also evident. Some countries expressed concerns about the economic implications of transitioning to a low-carbon economy, particularly for developing nations. The issue of climate justice, which calls for developed countries to take greater responsibility for historical emissions and provide financial and technological support to developing countries, also sparked debates. These discussions highlighted the need for inclusive and equitable solutions that take into account the specific circumstances and needs of different nations.The conference concluded with a sense of urgency and determination to act. The outcomes and recommendations of the conference will serve as valuable inputs for future climate change negotiations and policymaking processes. It is essential that thecommitments made during the conference are translated into concrete actions at the national and global levels. Governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals must work together to implement the necessary measures to address climate change and ensure a sustainable future for all.In conclusion, the Climate Change Conference brought together diverse stakeholders and fostered critical discussions on climate change mitigation and adaptation. The conference highlighted the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and transition to a sustainable and resilient future. The role of technology, nature-based solutions, gender equality, and international cooperation were emphasized as crucial elements in addressing climate change. The outcomes of the conference provide a roadmap for action and underscore the importance of global unity and collective efforts to combat climate change. It is imperative that the momentum generated by the conference is sustained, and decisive actions are taken to protect our planet and safeguard the well-being of future generations.。
气候大会指责中国
ARE the men who run Chinabrilliant strategists oraccident-prone apparatchik s,who can appear strikinglynaïve about the wider world?For proponents of the secondof these popular caricatures,China’s behaviour thus far atthe UN’s climate changesummit in Durban might looklike evidence.On December 6th Xie Zhenhua, the head of the Chinese delegation, told journalists that China was willing to be part of a new, legally binding global agreement to mitigate greenhouse-gas emissions, which could come into force by 2020. This sounded like an unexpected breakthrough in the talks. China, the world’s biggest polluter, had previously been reluctant to discuss any replacement of the existing agreement, the Kyoto protocol, which only binds developed countries to cut their emissions. The treaty, the main provisions of which expire at the end of next year, has therefore failed to curb global emissions. Since it was negotiated, in 1997, emissions have risen by over a quarter, mainly in developing countries, which are now responsible for 58% of the total.To address this, the European Union is trying to replace Kyoto with another agreement, soon after 2015. This would bind rich countries to more stringent emissions cuts and developing ones to slow the growth in their emissions. In return for all countries accepting such an arrangement, the Europeans are willing to honour developing countries’ main demand in Durban, by agreeing to a second round of emissions-cutting commitment under Kyoto. And Mr Xie, it seemed, was giving China’s blessing to the main tenet s of this plan.His words therefore sent a shiver of excitement through the sprawling compendium of conferences centres, hotels and revamp ed car parks where the UN summit is taking place. They also put the wind up America, the second biggest polluter, and India, the third biggest, though fordifferent reasons.America, whose annual emissions per head are 19.3 tonnes, more than those of almost any other country, is also not bound by Kyoto, having failed to ratify it. It nonetheless claims to be willing to enter into an alternative emissions-cutting agreement, such as the one outlined by the Europeans, so long as it is equally binding on all countries. In practice, however, many suspect this is a smokescreen: that, given what political poison climate change is in America, its negotiators may be unable to commit to participating in any new regime that the US Congress would have to ratify. India, whose annual emissions per citizen are a mere 1.2 tonnes, has a more righteous concern. With still 400m Indians mire d in poverty, and liable to suffer the effects of climate change grievously, India’s need for economic growth is even more pressing than China’s. And, not unreasonably, India fears that even modest mitigation measures, such as those the Europeans envisage for it, would constrain its ability to grow. To resist western pressure, India along with China, Brazil and South Africa have formed a negotiating block whose single main demand is for the Kyoto protocol to be extended. Yet Mr Xie’s words suggested China was about to break rank. That would probably leave India and America as the two main barriers to the Europea ns’ proposal.But it now seems more likely that Mr Xie didn’t quite mean what he said. In subsequent negotiations he refused to confirm that China would, as he had suggested, accept a binding international obligation to slow the growth in its emissions. He suggested that though China would be part of a new agreement, only rich countries would actually be bound by it.China’s allies in Durban appear to be as perplexed as anyone by this. European and American negotiators were more damning. Many dismissed Mr X ie’s initial comments as a rather lame attempt to avoid a repeat of the opprobrium heaped on China after a previous failed rendition of the UN summit, in Copenhagen two years ago. “Minister Xie spoke warmly about the need for a legally binding deal. Does t hat then mean that China will also be legally bound?” asked Connie Hedegaard, the EU’s climate commissioner, on Twitter. “Sometimes messages are more progressive at public press conferences than in negotiation rooms.”China may yet play the constructive role Mr Xie had seemed to promise. If previous versions of the climate summit are any guide, most countries will resist showing their hand until an arduous final negotiating session. There are also more modest signs that China is taking the UN process—or at least its reputation in it—more seriously than it has before. It has, for the first time, pitch ed an official China pavilion in the grounds of the main conference centre; there are also many representatives of China’s fast-growing renewable energy firms patrolling its corridors.But for now it looks likelier that Mr Xie misspoke and the summit will drift towards the underwhelming conclusion that many had predicted for it. That might well involve an agreement of some sort. A popular possibility might be, on one hand, a half-hearted statement of openness towards future negotiations from the developing countries; and on the other a blurry or partial extension of the Kyoto protocol by the Europeans.There is also likely to be modest progress on a clutch of lesser issues, including the launch of a Green Climate Fund, to help poor countries cope with global warming. Such inching progress would almost certainly be enough to ensure the UN process continues. It would of course be very much less than the urgent action required.。