There are many United Nations organizations that address environmental issues on a global level. The United Nations Environment Programme, coordinates all UN activities related to the environment, and assists developing countries to form environmentally sustainable practices. The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) is the UN organization that provides scientific resources to the world, and they assist other organizations and governments with the decisions on goals and the future. Additionally, there are dozens of local and international organizations that work to clean up our environment. For example, the Sierra Club is an organization based in the US that consists of many environmental activists and scientists. Greenpeace is an international group that exposes environmental issues and pressures to the world to make a change.
Since 2015, 196 countries have signed the Paris Agreement, an agreement to reduce climate change, with the goal to keep the increase in global temperature below 2 degrees C. They aimed to decrease carbon emissions by 20%, and increase clean energy use and energy efficiency by 20%. But switching completely to clean energy on a global scale will take an enormous amount of time and money. The economy will slow down as we transition, but it must be done, sooner rather than later. The question is whether countries want to put the environment or the economy first.
Most US action on climate change is aided by the US Department of Energy. They have funded many research programs to find efficient ways of sourcing the country’s energy. Large businesses are regulated by law to cap their carbon emissions. The Clean Air Act of 1970 regulates air emissions and sets limits for hazardous materials in the air. This Act has lowered the greenhouse gases released by the US, and decreased pollution and improved general health of the people. America is still working to sustain these changes and find more efficient solutions. President Joe Biden has made many promises to pass more legislation benefiting the environment, and we’ll have to anticipate that.
Climate change has come to the world’s attention within the past few decades, but it is a matter that will affect us for the rest of our existence. That’s why it is so important that action be taken on a global level.
Have you ever thrown away a recyclable item just because you were too lazy? Forgotten to turn off the lights at night? Small habits like these may seem like nothing, but if every human on Earth was so careless, the negative effects would exponentially worsen. For example, if every person in the US throws an aluminum can into the trash instead of recycling, there would be nearly 5,500 more tons of trash in the landfills. Frightening.
Many electronics now offer more energy efficient products that conserve electricity. Many households use a high efficiency washing machine, which saves both water and electricity. Consider switching to an electric or hybrid car. These new, more eco-friendly cars may seem pricey, but it is most definitely a worthy investment. In the long run, they may save you money on gas, and save the environment as well. By 2040, it is predicted that electric cars will dominate the market.