If our emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases continue on the current trajectory, the average temperature of the planet will rise between 2.9 and 3.1 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level. As of today, the temperature has already increased 0.74ºC with respect to said reference level. This change, although it is not the largest that our planet has experienced, is undoubtedly the fastest, since it has occurred in just 200 years.
COP21 aims to limit this change to a maximum of 2ºC. A major change would mean radical changes in global weather patterns, an increase in the frequency and strength of extreme weather events (such as cyclones and droughts), a rise in sea levels, and ocean acidification. The implications of such phenomena are serious, putting at stake not only the global ecosystem integrity, but our own safety and well-being. 2ºC is estimated to be the highest safe limit before the change reaches a critical and irreversible level.
It is time to call for decisive action by our governments. COP21 will be a historic moment, where the planet that our children and grandchildren will inherit will be decided. Will we be up to the challenge?
