REPORT ON THE CLIMATE SUMMIT--SO FAR
The COP26 Climate is well underway in Scotland and there have been two interesting developments so far. More than 100 countries have signed on to a pledge to stop deforestation by the end of this decade. They have also promised to give #19 Billion to protect and restore these forests. The effort was led by the United States and the European Union. Brazil did sign onto the pledge. This is an important step because forests absorb about 20% of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Brazil has not had a good record of protecting the rainforest. It remains to be seen if Brazil honors the pledge. Also achieved in these early days of the Climate Summit was an agreement to cut emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas by 50% of 2020 levels by 2030. Methane is 80 times more potent in causing warming of the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, although it does not last as long in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Reduction of this gas will go a long way to reducing overall warming of the planet. Missing from the pledge on methane are Russia, China, and India. Australia is also opposing the pledge (one source said they voted no-another said they were wavering). President Biden said he will instruct the head of the EPA to begin work immediately on the reduction. Oil and gas groups are generally in favor and have already reduced emissions. Not mentioned is the issue of methane released from melting permafrost or from aging gas connections in buildings and businesses and factories. President Biden remained upbeat in his addresses before the world leaders despite not having his climate change bill through congress.
In the meantime, here at home, we all have a responsibility to do what we can to reduce our carbon footprint. The Book, Drawdown by Paul Hawken, states that every person--working together --can reduce emissions by 25%. Half of that 25% comes from reducing food waste and eating a plant- based diet. This is something to remember as we go into the holiday season.
EARTH STEWARD ACTION: Design your Thanksgiving dinner around more vegetables and fruits. Plan for delicious leftover meals. Consider composting.
SOURCES: www.nytimes.com/2021/11/02/world/europe/climate-summit-methane-forest.html , www.gulf-times.com/story/703711/nations-make-pledge-to-cut-emissions-methane , Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming, edited by Paul Hawken, published in 2017 by Penguin Books