The fight against climate change can seem like an uphill battle. But with the right actions, small changes can have large reverberating impacts.
That’s why it is so important to pay attention to the small words in international agreements — like the ones that are being discussed at the COP25 Climate Change Summit in Madrid this week.
The Paris Agreement of 2015, which saw countries around the world commit to curbing their emissions, was a good first step. But some critics said it didn’t go far enough and even included some exemptions for developing countries that still allowed them to increase their emissions.
Now, during the COP25 Climate Change Summit, world leaders are coming together to negotiate and fine-tune the small details that can make a huge difference. It is the second round of such negotiations since the Paris Agreement was signed and many say it is critical for countries to reach an agreement this time around.
At the summit, some countries are pushing for tougher language in the agreement. This includes calling for all countries, regardless of their economic status, to reduce their emissions according to “common but differentiated responsibilities” – a phrase from the Paris Agreement.
Other countries are looking to soften the language, by using terms like “best efforts”, which would provide more leeway for those countries who are struggling to keep up with their commitments. In this case, the language chosen could make a difference between a strong agreement and one that’s just lip service.
And as climate-conscious citizens, it’s important for us to stay tuned in to the latest developments in this important agreement. It’s our way to push for strong words that are backed by solid action and make a real difference in the effort to combat climate change.
Climate change is a problem that can seem overwhelming at times. But with the right language and action, we can make a real impact. That’s why we should be paying attention to the small words that are being negotiated at the COP25 Summit and support the ones that show real commitment and ambition in the fight against climate change.