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GOOD COP, BAD COP
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GOOD COP, BAD COP  No, I’m not talking about the police; I’m talking about COP21, the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties, more popularly known as the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Last Saturday, COP21 resulted in the Paris Agreement signed by nearly every country in the world to combat climate change. An historic moment. Since the 1970s, climate change has increasingly been recognised as a problem for the planet. In the 1970s, it was widely believed there was global cooling and a new Ice Age was coming. In the 1980s, it was widely thought there was global warming and we would be all permanently sun-tanned and eating home-grown olives. By the 1990s, it was widely agreed that the world’s climate patterns are changing, whether hotter or colder and drier or wetter. The planet's climate has constantly changed over geological time. But what has been more recently recognised is that human activities are increasingly the cause of climate change. It has only been since the 1990s that governments have taken climate change seriously. In the 1980s, for example, the Reagan administration commissioned a study on climate change and, when the US President was told that its effects would take decades and centuries to materialise, he decided to do nothing. Increasing CO2 emissions are the main cause of the 'greenhouse effect', whereby the atmosphere traps solar energy thus heating up the planet. Most man-made emissions of CO2 are caused by the burning of CO2-releasing fossil fuels and the cutting down of CO2-absorbing trees. Since 1750 when the Industrial Revolution began, CO2 levels have risen by more than 30 per cent; CO2 levels are at the highest level over the last 800,000 years. Since the late nineteenth century, when temperature records started to be recorded, the temperature of the planet's surface has increased by about 0.8C in the last 100 years, with about 0.6C of this warming occurring in the last 30 years. The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicted that the planet’s surface temperature is likely to exceed 1.5C of the 1850 temperature level by the end of this century. 1.5-2.0C is widely seen as a tipping point where the effects of climate change become dangerous and irreversible. The world is already 1.0C over pre-industrial temperature levels. In 1997, many countries signed the Kyoto Protocol that set targets for greenhouse gas emissions for rich countries. As a result of extensive corporate lobbying, the US pulled out of signing this deal and Australia pulled out of implementing the deal. But many, and mainly European, developed countries committed themselves to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. European countries have exceeded their targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions. It can be done! In the UK, the Labour Government commissioned a study on the economics of climate change. In 2006 the seminal Stern Report was published; it argued that the costs of combating climate change are very high but the costs of not combating climate change are even higher. The Government passed the Climate Change Act 2008, which set forth legally binding targets for greenhouse gas emissions. The UK remains the only country to have such legally-binding targets. In 2009, there was a second United Nations Climate Change Conference, but this Copenhagen Summit failed to secure agreement between countries. The main problem was that rich countries wanted all countries, especially BRICS (that’s Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), to cut greenhouse gas emissions. But developing countries argued that it is the richest countries that have caused and benefitted from climate change by burning fossil fuels and therefore poorer countries should not be denied the same opportunities to develop their economies. Also the poorest countries wanted monies from the richest countries to help with climate change but the rich countries didn’t want to give them much money. The Netherlands, a low-lying and rich country, is far more capable of dealing with rising sea levels than Bangladesh, a low-lying but poor country already experiencing climate change migration. Moving forward to 2015 and with China now overtaking the US as the world’s biggest CO2 emitter, 195 countries signed the Paris Agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions. This is the first truly global agreement on tackling climate change. This is good news in a world where news just seems to be bad. The Paris Agreement commits countries: • To keep global temperatures "well below" 2.0C and "endeavour to limit" them to 1.5C • To limit the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by human activity to the same levels that trees, soil and oceans can absorb naturally sometime between 2050 and 2100 • To review each country's contribution to cutting emissions every five years • For rich countries to help poorer countries by providing "climate finance" Do you think the climate is changing? If so, are you worried about climate change? How green are you? The deal is far from perfect; there are significant concerns about enforcing the measures needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. And there are concerns that monies set aside to help poor countries - currently £67b ($100b) a year by 2020 - are not enough. This post started out at seven pages long and, three hours later, I’ve managed to edit it down to less than two pages. My apologies for the length of this post, even without a commentary on Al Gore's contribution to the debate, but it’s a topic that worries me greatly. I’ve noticed climate change - seasons aren’t the same when I was a . And I’m concerned about the impact of climate change on the planet. I do think climate change is the biggest problem facing human beings. I shouldn’t be concerned as I’m over 50 years old and have no . Minions, put far more coal and logs on that fire!  |
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Good post. Do you think the climate is changing? Everything changes; the question is what and why is the climate changing. The changes have accelerated since man began to burn more and more fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are not infinite whereas solar, wind, geothermal and other energies are. So converting to those just makes more sense. Even if it isn’t man made why not make the planet better vs. worse? Are you worried about climate change? Yes and no. Yes if not significantly addressed it will lead to more and more problems. No cause I won’t be around when things really turn to shit. How green are you? I recycle as much as possible; keep lights (CF  and other electric off when not in use. I have plans to convert part of my house to on grid solar and geothermal.When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
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Do you think the climate is changing?Climate is changing and we are not helping it nor will we. My opinion is nature is going to happen. Millions of years ago, the Ice Age happened, and no one was around to change it. It happened and warming will happen but it will take a very long time. We may only be able to slow down the process!! Are you worried about climate change?"NO"!!! How green are you? I'm green!! I recycle!!
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Do you think the climate is changing? The climate has been changing for billions of years and will continue to throughout the rest of our lease on this planet. As nice_gent pointed out in his comments the causes are many and not all from the "pollution" generated by man but I would say why add to the pollution of the air if there is a better way. I think conservation of resources is important as the supply of fossil fuels is not unlimited so why not get renewable power sources up and running thereby reducing the use of limited fossil fuels. Waste not want not,  The sun shine, wind and ocean currents are free and clean. Nuclear and hydroelectric power is good until an accident or terrorist attack occurs. If so, are you worried about climate change? Yes there are a lot of people's lives and property at risk do to the effects of changes. How green are you? I'm pink the last time I checked  I recycle everything that I use that is recyclable. I try not to waste as it is a waste of money as well as other aspects. I would buy an electric vehicle when they have a work van that will get the distance I need and can carry the load my van has in it as well as being affordable.Vive La Difference
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 Do you think the climate is changing? Yes. If so, are you worried about climate change? Yes. How green are you? Not as green as I was after viewing the photos posted by Kathleen in [post 3744340], but more green than after reading [post 3744292] by mcmaniac. After all, the only disgusting thing mentioned in mac's post was hazelnut coffee. But still, pretty green, I guess. This is a great post, Spunky. And it's a topic we don't see mentioned in the blogs here often. Your statement "I do think climate change is the biggest problem facing human beings" is one I wholeheartedly agree with. I'd add this though: The root cause of all this is that there are too many of us, polluting too much. The planet has finite resources and not only are we contaminating them too quickly, we're using them up at an alarming rate as well. That was sustainable enough when there weren't very many of us, but now it's getting frightening. I have an idea the planet will reduce our population on its own sooner or later with or without our consent. But unrestrained growth is simply not possible without eventual disaster. Hand in hand with reducing demand for resources, we need to be better stewards of the fruits of the earth. Become a member now and get a free tote bag.
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Yes, I believe man's activities are changing the climate. But if the big CO2 producers (US and China), drag their feel like they have, we are all fucked, no matter how much the rest of the world does! Find pleasure in giving pleasure
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Do you think the climate is changing? Oh yes sure do. Our summers are very dry with hardly any rain. If so, are you worried about climate change? I am always worried about this How green are you? Mostly green or trying to be. hugssssssssss V Become a blog watcher sweet_vm
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Do you think the climate is changing? I think it is more cyclic in nature. I think it will come around again. If so, are you worried about climate change? Not greatly. How green are you? I recycle and don't waste
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You laid out the facts quite well. I also agree that climate change is the single greatest threat to civilization. As a self-described "slactivist" (with a voice that is getting louder and louder) the environment is my main issue, and climate change is the biggest part of that. The COP21 summit was the most successful world event on the subject. It is a good start that found common ground among all parties. (A rare achievement.) But it doesn't go far enough. These are slow processes to change. Basically we need to reverse engineer the industrial revolution and the politic processes involved move incredibly slow and had many roadblocks being put up. At least there is hope. I like that they set a goal of 1.5 degrees, even though we probably won't make it. I has tons more, but I gotta go. 
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Yes the climate is definitely changing....I really don't remember so much rain when I was young and it has been quite mild so far this winter. The future of the planet does worry me....I have....as my brother is always reminding me....reared a fair sized dynasty here and I would like to think that the youngest members of my family will have a reasonably pleasant environment in which to live. I try to be as green as possible. Recycle as much as possible, waste as little as possible. I am careful about my use of electricity and water....and I don't drive my car just for the hell of it. I really hope that we can stem the change and that every country will play their part. ~~Anais Nin~~
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Do you think the climate is changing? Yes...it is pretty obvious! If so, are you worried about climate change? Yes...I wish we could switch to electric or other non fossil fuels (hydrogen). But, the oil companies have to much pull and people want cheap fuel. How green are you? not so much....I live in an apartment that uses electric (powered by coal) and natural gas for heat. I drive a fossil fuel car! “Life is available only in the present moment.” Thich Nhat Hanh Come and read my blog! Become a watcher! veryfunnycple64 
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The Professor makes an interesting observation about the volcanic eruption in Iceland, but mankind can't control volcano eruptions whereas we can control our CO2 emissions and stop eating meat as a way of combating climate change. Thanks for stopping by. 
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Good post. Do you think the climate is changing? Everything changes; the question is what and why is the climate changing. The changes have accelerated since man began to burn more and more fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are not infinite whereas solar, wind, geothermal and other energies are. So converting to those just makes more sense. Even if it isn’t man made why not make the planet better vs. worse? Are you worried about climate change? Yes and no. Yes if not significantly addressed it will lead to more and more problems. No cause I won’t be around when things really turn to shit. How green are you? I recycle as much as possible; keep lights (CF and other electric off when not in use. I have plans to convert part of my house to on grid solar and geothermal.
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Do you think the climate is changing?Climate is changing and we are not helping it nor will we. My opinion is nature is going to happen. Millions of years ago, the Ice Age happened, and no one was around to change it. It happened and warming will happen but it will take a very long time. We may only be able to slow down the process!! Are you worried about climate change?"NO"!!! How green are you? I'm green!! I recycle!!
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I think the powers that be are not as smart as they believe, and thought a greenhouse was a place where plants flourished... (I know what the term means, but there are only two greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide and water vapor.) both good things. Burning the tropical rain forest is releasing more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than anything else, and geoengineering is destroying the atmosphere anyway, killing bees and butterflies, and crops along with the masses. With Fluoridated water, GMO crops, geoengineering, who can really "go" green anyway, and what is happening on the reports about Fukushima?
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Do you think the climate is changing? The climate has been changing for billions of years and will continue to throughout the rest of our lease on this planet. As nice_gent pointed out in his comments the causes are many and not all from the "pollution" generated by man but I would say why add to the pollution of the air if there is a better way. I think conservation of resources is important as the supply of fossil fuels is not unlimited so why not get renewable power sources up and running thereby reducing the use of limited fossil fuels. Waste not want not, The sun shine, wind and ocean currents are free and clean. Nuclear and hydroelectric power is good until an accident or terrorist attack occurs. If so, are you worried about climate change? Yes there are a lot of people's lives and property at risk do to the effects of changes. How green are you? I'm pink the last time I checked I recycle everything that I use that is recyclable. I try not to waste as it is a waste of money as well as other aspects. I would buy an electric vehicle when they have a work van that will get the distance I need and can carry the load my van has in it as well as being affordable.
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I agree with you that all those countries signing COP21 is important but enforcement will be the key to its success!
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Do you think the climate is changing? Yes. If so, are you worried about climate change? Yes. How green are you? Not as green as I was after viewing the photos posted by Kathleen in [post 3744340], but more green than after reading [post 3744292] by mcmaniac. After all, the only disgusting thing mentioned in mac's post was hazelnut coffee. But still, pretty green, I guess. This is a great post, Spunky. And it's a topic we don't see mentioned in the blogs here often. Your statement "I do think climate change is the biggest problem facing human beings" is one I wholeheartedly agree with. I'd add this though: The root cause of all this is that there are too many of us, polluting too much. The planet has finite resources and not only are we contaminating them too quickly, we're using them up at an alarming rate as well. That was sustainable enough when there weren't very many of us, but now it's getting frightening. I have an idea the planet will reduce our population on its own sooner or later with or without our consent. But unrestrained growth is simply not possible without eventual disaster. Hand in hand with reducing demand for resources, we need to be better stewards of the fruits of the earth.
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Yes, I believe man's activities are changing the climate. But if the big CO2 producers (US and China), drag their feel like they have, we are all fucked, no matter how much the rest of the world does!
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Do you think the climate is changing? Yes! If so, are you worried about climate change? Oh no, not at all, I am also over 50 you know. How green are you? What do you mean green? I am pink all over, inside and out, except when I had that infection, but that's all cleared up. I told you before, you don't believe me do you? It was nothing. Look, I'll put up some new profile pix and prove it to you. We are having record breaking temperatures all week here on The East Coast. Today it was nearly 21C. We've been going without a jacket and in short sleeves for days. Next week the temps will plunge to about 9C. I guess global warming does have a few perks. In June we experienced the worst thunderstorm in history, with widespread power outages and damage. The power was out for at least four days here and many were left without power much longer. Loss of power was made worse by the fact that we were also in the midst of a heat wave. I am glad your post was digital and you really didn't use 7 sheets of paper. The planet really can't afford to lose many more trees. I know, when The Donald is elected, he'll solve all this climate change business once and for all!
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Do you think the climate is changing? Oh yes sure do. Our summers are very dry with hardly any rain. If so, are you worried about climate change? I am always worried about this How green are you? Mostly green or trying to be. hugssssssssss V
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Do you think the climate is changing? I think it is more cyclic in nature. I think it will come around again. If so, are you worried about climate change? Not greatly. How green are you? I recycle and don't waste
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You laid out the facts quite well. I also agree that climate change is the single greatest threat to civilization. As a self-described "slactivist" (with a voice that is getting louder and louder) the environment is my main issue, and climate change is the biggest part of that. The COP21 summit was the most successful world event on the subject. It is a good start that found common ground among all parties. (A rare achievement.) But it doesn't go far enough. These are slow processes to change. Basically we need to reverse engineer the industrial revolution and the politic processes involved move incredibly slow and had many roadblocks being put up. At least there is hope. I like that they set a goal of 1.5 degrees, even though we probably won't make it. I has tons more, but I gotta go.
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Do you think the climate is changing? The climate is a dynamic system so therefore it's always changing! If so, are you worried about climate change? Not really we have 7 thousand years still in a warm period before we go into a real ice age of 80 thousand years! How green are you? I believe we are stewards of the earth so I don't want it fucked up because of our ignorance!
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I always remember snow at this time of the year when I was a child, but a white Xmas is quite rare now in the UK.
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Cameron did initially promise that his government woulfd be the greenest government ever. But he's backtracked; he's just full of shite!
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