Query: Copenhagen Accord: Good or Bad? Why?
http://z.about.com/d/politicalhumor/1/0/x/_/2/good-cop-tt090126.jpgThe responses we received through email are as follows. Thank you Js.K, Ma'at, and G.G for their comments:
Js. K, 19, Johor Bahru (Malaysia)
Hi there Green Knights, Scene in the movie 2012 in which leaders of every country actually come to a consensus that benefit everyone just seems like a fairy tale to actually materialize. I would not say that the Copenhagen Accord is bad, just that it could have been better.At least the leaders around the world have come to realize that the global warming is really a crisis that can never be underestimated. Surely we do not want to wait until the devastating scenes in the movie 2012 actually happen in the real world then only the leaders around the world take action, right? Even though scientists express their concerns that the pledges in the Copenhagen Accord would be insufficient to keep the rise of temperature below 2 degrees, still I hope that the review on the accord by 2015 would make the current accord a more comprehensive one, with the long-term target to keep the global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees. The Copenhagen Accord might not be the best solution for everyone, still it plays an important role as a stepping stone to awaken the awareness among the leaders on how important it is to tackle global warming, rather than settling the problem aside and then only cry over the spilled milk.
Ma'at, 18, Kuantan (Malaysia)
Dear Green Knights, I believe one of the biggest mistakes these leaders have made is to assume that this is a beginning to further efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, the beginning was way back in 1992 during the Rio De Janeiro Talks. Another issue noted is that the accord was drawn up by a few countries such as the USA, China, India, Brazil, and South Africa. Seems a little ironic when the countries that are truly affected such as Mauritius were completely left out during the meeting of these other leaders. It would not be too much to say that the economic powers are trying to create a way to produce an agreement that will benefit them in the end. However, as much disappointed I am with the accord, the major contributors of the emissions: China, USA, and India have signed it. They did not ratify the Kyoto Protocol back in 1997. This is a change and hopefully it will encourage further international effort from all countries. I can't immediately label this accord as bad but it is definitely below standards as no clear targets were set, negotiations were made only between certain countries, and the lack of legal binds.
G.G, 19, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
The Copenhagen Accord is not going to bring any benefit if we still have some nations opposing this effort of monitoring the rise of temperature to control global warming. It is a good deal but it is not strong enough to bring great changes. All leaders should understand that this effort is not for a particular country but for the world as a whole and their co-operation in this matter is truly needed. Although we now have countries like Cuba which have finally agreed to the accord, we still have country like China who is still unsatisfied with the deal. So basically to make this accord a successful one, everyone should work towards realizing the aims and goals that have been agreed on plus the poorer countries will enjoy the benefits more. I believe that the Copenhagen Accord is a good one if we know how to work it out as planned and have clearer strategies.
Next up on Speak Up: If you are elected as the leader of your country, what environmental policies/legislation will you enact?
Please email your responses to greenknights.inti@gmail.com. To join our mailing list, also email your full name, email, contact number, and institution name. We'll get back to you immediately. Thank you.
Hi there Green Knights, Scene in the movie 2012 in which leaders of every country actually come to a consensus that benefit everyone just seems like a fairy tale to actually materialize. I would not say that the Copenhagen Accord is bad, just that it could have been better.At least the leaders around the world have come to realize that the global warming is really a crisis that can never be underestimated. Surely we do not want to wait until the devastating scenes in the movie 2012 actually happen in the real world then only the leaders around the world take action, right? Even though scientists express their concerns that the pledges in the Copenhagen Accord would be insufficient to keep the rise of temperature below 2 degrees, still I hope that the review on the accord by 2015 would make the current accord a more comprehensive one, with the long-term target to keep the global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees. The Copenhagen Accord might not be the best solution for everyone, still it plays an important role as a stepping stone to awaken the awareness among the leaders on how important it is to tackle global warming, rather than settling the problem aside and then only cry over the spilled milk.
Ma'at, 18, Kuantan (Malaysia)
Dear Green Knights, I believe one of the biggest mistakes these leaders have made is to assume that this is a beginning to further efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, the beginning was way back in 1992 during the Rio De Janeiro Talks. Another issue noted is that the accord was drawn up by a few countries such as the USA, China, India, Brazil, and South Africa. Seems a little ironic when the countries that are truly affected such as Mauritius were completely left out during the meeting of these other leaders. It would not be too much to say that the economic powers are trying to create a way to produce an agreement that will benefit them in the end. However, as much disappointed I am with the accord, the major contributors of the emissions: China, USA, and India have signed it. They did not ratify the Kyoto Protocol back in 1997. This is a change and hopefully it will encourage further international effort from all countries. I can't immediately label this accord as bad but it is definitely below standards as no clear targets were set, negotiations were made only between certain countries, and the lack of legal binds.
G.G, 19, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
The Copenhagen Accord is not going to bring any benefit if we still have some nations opposing this effort of monitoring the rise of temperature to control global warming. It is a good deal but it is not strong enough to bring great changes. All leaders should understand that this effort is not for a particular country but for the world as a whole and their co-operation in this matter is truly needed. Although we now have countries like Cuba which have finally agreed to the accord, we still have country like China who is still unsatisfied with the deal. So basically to make this accord a successful one, everyone should work towards realizing the aims and goals that have been agreed on plus the poorer countries will enjoy the benefits more. I believe that the Copenhagen Accord is a good one if we know how to work it out as planned and have clearer strategies.
Next up on Speak Up: If you are elected as the leader of your country, what environmental policies/legislation will you enact?
Please email your responses to greenknights.inti@gmail.com. To join our mailing list, also email your full name, email, contact number, and institution name. We'll get back to you immediately. Thank you.
