How Should Nations and Individuals Address Climate Change?

The Winter is getting warmer and warmer.

Given current

concentrations and on-going emissions of greenhouse gases, it is likely

that by the end of this century, the increase in global temperature will
exceed 1.5C compared to 1850 to 1900 for all but one scenario. The
worlds oceans will warm and ice melt will continue. Average sea level
rise is predicted as 24 30cm by 2065 and 40-63cm by 2100. Most
aspects of climate change will persist for many centuries even if
emissions are stopped. (UN) So nations and individuals should take
quick and efficient actions to tackle this worldwide problem.
Nations should work together. The Global Goals are important,
world-changing objectives that will require cooperation among
governments, international organizations and world leaders. The United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an international
environmental treaty (also known as a multilateral environmental
agreement) that was opened for signature at the Earth Summit held in Rio
de Janeiro in 1992 and came into force in 1994. The ultimate objective of
the Convention is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the
atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with
the climate system." (WHO) While publics in both rich and poor nations
are generally supportive of their own governments taking action to curb
greenhouse gas emissions, in principle many people believe that wealthy
societies, not poor economies, should take on more of the responsibility
for addressing climate change.(pewgloble)
Nation should Integrate climate change measures into national
policies, strategies and planning.

Whether conventional standards or

market-based instruments are used, meaningful government regulation

will be required.(Robert) Voluntary initiatives no matter how wellintended will not only be insufficient, but insignificant relative to the
magnitude of the problem. So, the question becomes how to shift
decisions by firms and individuals in a climate-friendly direction, such as
toward emissions reductions. Some policies could be considered: support
and implement a comprehensive set of climate solutions; expand the use
of renewable energy and transform our energy system to one that is
cleaner and less dependent on coal and other fossil fuels; Increase vehicle
fuel efficiency and support other solutions that reduce the oil use; place
limits on the amount of carbon that polluters are allowed to emit; build a
clean energy economy by investing in efficient energy technologies,
industries, and approaches; reduce tropical deforestation and its
associated global warming emissions; improve education, awarenessraising and human and institutional capacity on climate change
mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.(EEA)
Individuals should engage more and play more important roles since
the average person can make an impact. There are some super easy
things we can adopt into our routines that, if we all do it, will make a big
difference. For examples, save electricity by plugging appliances into a
power strip and turning them off completely when not in use, including
your computer. And bring your own bag when you shop. Pass on the
plastic bag and start carrying your own reusable totes. (scientificamerican
)Try to focus on actions that can make a real difference, as opposed to
actions that may feel good or look good but have relatively little realworld impact, particularly when those feel-good/look-good actions have
opportunity costs, that is, divert us from focusing on actions that would
make a significant difference.

Climate change is a real and pressing problem. The response to

climate change has to involve individuals and families at home, students
and educators in schools, leaders and workers in organizations, and local,
state, national and international governmental bodies. The actions we
take and decisions we make can create opportunities or limit the options
for the next generation. Ideally, by reducing the effects and adapting to
climate change, the present generation will improve its own condition,
with benefits such as a higher quality of life and public health, while
helping future generations through its foresight and planning.(ncse)

References:
1. Sustainable development. un.org. Web. 15 Juin 2016
2. BRUCE STOKES. public support for action on climate change.
pewglobal.org 2015. Web. 15 juin 2016
3. what is the proper role of individuals and institutions in addressing
climate change.robertstavinsblog.org 2010. Web. 15 juin 2016
4. David Biello. 10-solutions-forclimatehange. Scientificamerican.com.
Web15 juin 2016
5. Climate policy. eea.europa.eu. Web. 15 juin 2016
6. What-can-we-do-climate-change. ncse.com 2015. Web. 15 juin 2016