The Paris Climate Agreement was signed in 2015 by almost all nations, dramatically changing the way the world views energy use.
Nations around the world are now expected to uphold new, rigorous standards in regard to sustainability and energy efficiency.
The Agreement aims to keep the Earth’s average temperature from rising by a maximum of two degrees Celsius.
In order to accomplish this, certain nations have implemented drastic changes to how they handle transportation, agriculture, fossil fuel consumption, deforestation, and environmental legislation.
The way we use and produce energy is a major contributing factor to global climate change. The key to an improved global ecosystem is efficiency.
The Paris Agreement has driven many of the world’s top fuel-consuming countries to update their policies and infrastructure regarding clean energy and carbon emissions.
New regulations for vehicles
Enforcing New Regulations Regarding Automobiles
To meet the lofty emission requirements put into place by the Paris Agreement, some countries are planning to bar the sale of diesel and petroleum-powered vehicles altogether.
Norway, for example, expects to implement this ban by 2025. The Netherlands aren’t far behind them, and this change could completely revolutionize the way we think about private transportation.
For those who can’t rely on public transportation, energy-efficient vehicles could be the future for participating countries.
Some cities have decided to forbid cars altogether. Building out a car-free super blocks helped the Spanish city of Vitoria-Gasteiz to decrease emissions by 38 percent.
Improving Farming and Agriculture Industries
Unpredictable weather patterns caused by global climate change are the root of many agricultural issues around the world.
For lower-income nations, the struggle is even more severe. Many developing countries depend on farming as a primary source of national revenue.
The Paris Agreement prompted foreign aid groups to assist affected farmers. Apps such as Afriscout use satellite data to find the best land and resources for farmers in remote, low-income areas.
Inefficient farming practices damage more than just the people who depend on these crops to survive. Using a more targeted approach to land and livestock management allows farmers to save resources. This also helps them reduce their carbon footprint by minimizing waste and energy production.
Reducing – or Eliminating – Coal Production
Even more conservative countries are making waves toward a fully renewable future.
Chile is one nation that plans to completely overhaul how they consume energy. Although coal produces 40 percent of the nation’s power, they are planning to completely phase out the use of this fossil fuel.
Due to the Paris Agreement, many nations are being pressured to eliminate coal use and production. While many powerful countries are still fighting to keep this industry alive, it’s becoming more widely recognized as a massive pollutant and catalyst for global climate change.
Implementing Measures to Combat Deforestation
Trees are one of the planet’s most effective, and natural, weapons against global warming and pollution.
Unfortunately, widespread deforestation across the world’s forests is only speeding up the damage being done to the environment. Trees are heavily harvested as an energy source, as well as to create wood-based products. If we can’t reduce the demand for these items, we can strive to make up for the loss.
The Paris Agreement required countries to report on their emission rates. This launched a worldwide influx in forest-rebuilding efforts to negate each nation’s respective environmental impact.
Promoting Renewable Energy Sources
Ultimately, energy efficiency is the best way to uphold the standards established by the Paris Agreement. More than 90 percent of the agreement’s energy-specific goals can be attained with clean energy sources. carbon pollution, specifically, could be reduced by more than 40 percent.
Renewable energy could make up at least two-thirds of our power usage by 2050.
Conclusion
By focusing on energy-efficient technology and policies, we can collectively meet – or even exceed – the goals established by the Paris Agreement.
