There’s been a lot of buzz in the news about Copenhagen, but what actually is going to happen in this city – and why is it so important? We’ve got a handy Big Wheel guide to the UN climate change summit taking place next week in the Danish capital.
So, what is it all about?
Simply put, from the 7th – 18th December governments from around the world will meet to try to agree how to tackle climate change and global warming.
And why are they doing that?
There is growing evidence that climate change is happening on a dangerous scale – and that we humans are directly responsible for it. Scientists state that the world must act now to stop the growth in greenhouse gas emissions and so stop the situation getting significantly worse.
Hang on – what are greenhouse gases?
They are nasty gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, that are released when we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. These gases are already present in the atmosphere, but the earth can’t cope with the higher levels so they build up and create a kind of blanket around the earth. This blanket traps the heat from the sun in our atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect and warming the planet.
Right, so we definitely want to get rid of those – don’t we?
Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. While no one wants climate change to happen, there are several issues stopping us from simply cutting greenhouse gas emissions. And, as you might expect, most of these issues come down to money:
First off – while it might be heavily polluting, burning fossil fuels is still one of the cheapest ways that we get energy. And while in the long term using greener energy sources would be cheaper, it would cost a lot in the short term to make the switch.
The poorest countries in the world have done little to add to the problems of global warming and climate change – but they are often the hardest hit by its effects. Everyone agrees that the richer nations should help these countries to cope with the impact of climate change, but no one has, as yet, agreed a specific amount.
Developing countries such as India and China are beginning to burn fossil fuels on a huge scale, adding to the problems. It makes sense for them to switch to green energy now and start off on the right foot, but the infrastructure would cost them billions. With millions of their citizens already deep in poverty, the high price tag for renewable fuel is a hard pill to swallow. They argue that they should be allowed to use fossil fuels now so that they can afford to grow – or that the richer countries should foot the bill to help them go green.
So the richest countries – including the US, UK and Japan – are all expected to dig deep to fund major changes to global energy production. While they are willing to help, the exact figure needed to be really useful is causing big debates. And when many industrialised nations are already struggling with the impact of a global recession they will all be looking to limit the amount of extra spending that they are committed to.
Blimey, why haven’t they done anything about this before?
They have – the talks in Copenhagen are due to set targets to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which runs out in 2012. The protocol set 37 countries binding targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 5% of 1991 levels. That sounds great, but not all countries included in the protocol agreed with their targets. And a complicated system of “flexible mechanisms” meant that industrialised countries could continue producing greenhouse gases at high levels. The evidence is now much stronger that we cannot go on like this, and scientists now say that cuts of 25-40% of 1991 levels are needed to prevent more damage being done. It is hoped that this new agreement would go further than the Kyoto Protocol, including all countries in more ambitious targets to cut greenhouse gases.
And that would stop climate change?
The high levels of carbon and greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere mean that there is likely to still be further warming. However it is hoped that strong measures would stop the planet from warming by 2C – widely agreed by scientists to be a tipping point, after which the warming would become dangerous to our continued survival.
Sounds scary, so will they set strong measures at Copenhagen?
It is unclear exactly what the outcome of the Copenhagen climate change summit will be. The issues outlined above are causing major political disagreements, which make a definitive and hard-hitting deal unlikely. However almost everyone involved does want to see a deal reached, and the feeling is that this will set out the big picture – outlining global intentions – with final details decided in 2010.
Is there anything I can do?
There are lots of ways that you can reduce your own carbon footprint and do your bit to help save the planet. Recent research proves that leaving your car at home and cycling or walking instead will not only help the planet, but will also make you healthier (and possibly wealthier). Our website has loads of information about how to go car-free – simply browse our For You pages, and if you can’t find what you need to know email us.
If you want to show your support for an ambitious deal at the climate change summit visit Act on Copenhagen, and back the bid. This website is connected to the government’s Act on CO2 campaign, which offers more help and advice on reducing your CO2 emissions.
This is a basic guide to some very complex issues, if you are keen to know more about the Copenhagen climate change summit visit the official website. The Guardian newspaper also has a comprehensive guide to Copenhagen – including latest news, key facts and comment from leading scientists and environmentalists. The BBC have similarly impressive dedicated Copenhagen pages with features and video reports.
