Eighth day of COP21.
Half of the climate summit has already passed by, and the remaining five days are intense and decisive. Although the general opinion in the Bourget is that the negotiations are progressing slowly but steadily (although compared to the Copenhagen summit in 2009, the perception is that there is substantial progress), there are reasonable doubts about whether a satisfactory agreement will be reached. .
However, there are still several crucial points to decide:
- 2ºC, or 1.5ºC?: This week, Germany and France have joined the group of the 43 countries most vulnerable to climate change to advocate for the objective that the temperature increase does not exceed 1.5ºC over the pre-industrial level.
- Who pays?: Developed countries, including the United States, have recognized their responsibility in creating the problem and therefore in solving it. What remains to be decided is who, how and how much is going to pay.
- How will we achieve the goals?: Making promises is easy. But the mechanism that will ensure that these are met is equally important.
- What will the agreement be like?: Although the general opinion is that it should be a binding agreement, the Republican refusal to accept such an agreement in the United States Senate casts doubt on the final form that the agreement will take.< /li>
On the other hand, the following advances can be highlighted:
- Africa is committed to renewable energy.
- François Hollande and Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India) launch an international alliance for solar energy that includes 120 countries.
- 20 countries have committed to doubling their investments in R&D in renewable energy.
- Multiple initiatives focused on agriculture and food security.
- 18 countries have come together to launch the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, to reduce emissions from the sector.
- The Compact of Mayors has highlighted the role of local governments and cities in the fight against climate change.
