In the run up to the COP 15 held in the city of Copenhagen a year ago, the expectation of significant agreements to tackle climate change was extraordinary . However, the results were very disappointing. Instead, the propaganda for the COP 16, which began last week in Cancun was very discreet mostly because the expectations are almost nil. If the delegates who have arrived in Cancun are pessimistic, why come? What I am questioning is the general lack of commitment to reach an agreement that could really make a lasting difference.
Many people who are fighting for a universal policy to combat carbon emissions they think the legal and policy framework promoted by the United Nations is not feasible. If this were the case, what are the alternatives? In the absence of a comprehensive settlement, is it possible to achieve small agreements having the greatest potential? is true that almost all countries organize their own campaigns to reduce carbon emissions, but no programs are alike or that have the same challenges. What is a priority, as many countries, is a financial framework to undertake greater efforts to curb climate change, especially in the case of developing countries.
The first noticeable difference of COP 16 is the absence of world leaders attending the conference. speaks His lack of participation, according to me, his lack of interest and participation in this problem. How concerned should we be? For me it is clear that for the next century life as we know it is not possible for humans. The sad thing is that international negotiations to combat climate change dating back to 1972 but is only now, 40 years later, we are working towards a sustainable life. Even sadder is the level of commitment from individuals, governments, leaders and others who accept directed by commerce and power, not sustainability.
For the success of COP 16 will need to reach agreements the areas of mitigation, technology transfer and financing. Although the picture is difficult, delegates are supposed to be working towards some kind of universal commitment. The financial part is the stumbling block, especially for the times and austerity programs that are currently living. Detonate sufficient investment for the environment is the goal, we cross our fingers that there is a clear result and frank in this area. addition, many governments are primarily concerned with their economies and their competitiveness, which limits them to commit to reducing their carbon emissions.
However, do not lose hope. In Mexico there are many examples of both individuals and companies and institutions that are operating from an ecological conscience and still on track to achieve more. Wind power is a reality in Mexico and there will be more parks, the acceptance of energy saving light bulbs has been very successful, the separation of garbage is gaining strength every day with more people responding to the challenge. have planted millions of trees, literally, all over the country in large reforestation programs. Advances in technology are remarkable, including sustainable construction with the use of alternative energy (solar or wind power) through intelligent buildings. In Mexico City and there are walls and green roofs, full of plants that help to cool buildings in hot weather and make them warmer in cold weather. have developed biodegradable plastic bottles made of substances that have nothing to do with oil. has banned the use of plastic bag in the DF, although the success of this campaign remains weak. There are many ideas, initiatives and efforts and we are seeing some positive results, it is true, but the road is very long: it makes us need to do much, much more. And do not even want to mention the problem of garbage ...
For Mexico, as host of COP 16, the challenge is very strong. is nothing if not many initiatives are being opened these days to show the world that Mexico is working with sustainability in mind. is a pity that we have not begun in the 70's, but at least our efforts today are remarkable and newsworthy.
is time to put aside personal and selfish interests and act in support of citizenship and overall survival. The blame for our current situation we have it all and that is why we need to be more aware, creative and adaptable. hope that something positive is achieved in Cancun - I wish with all my heart - but in the worst case we must not lose sight of everything we are doing, what we have done and what we have to keep doing. Clearly urges us to continue with our individual efforts, which increase in importance a little more each day. If the COP 16 could make a difference in how people think, would be a great achievement. There are still too many ignorant people who believe to change our way of life is neither necessary nor possible. are very wrong.
Note published in the Union of Morelos on Tuesday December 7, 2010
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