Chapter 22 19. Global challenges

Earth's energy resources have never faced challenges like these: nuclear safety crises, resource conservation, climate anomalies, and the global environment. This challenge can be summed up in one sentence: use more clean energy and emit less carbon dioxide. "Air and environmental pollution make no distinction between national sovereignty... If we fail to see beyond individual and social interests, our short-sightedness will drive us to failure, which will lead to real tragedy." Lippe?Calderón said at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Cancun conference. Governments, media and NGOs are the main players in international negotiations.China is late to negotiations like this, and there is room for improvement in terms of cooperation with other major players.The same is true for those poor countries or emerging countries, they should discuss and win their voice and hearing rights in the preparatory meeting.

Although much of climate change is initially caused by overconsumption in developed countries, it is the nations of the world who will face its consequences in the future.Developing countries should do more to address environmental issues despite their own needs. If developed countries guarantee climate funds and fulfill their commitments, they will set an example and will reap effective results from developing countries, especially on the issue of transparency. Some participants in international environmental forums said that the establishment of a global consensus will bring climate negotiations to an impasse.

Others counter that the principle of consensus is the basis for all negotiations related to environmental issues.But before future agreements are signed, shouldn't every country join the environmental protection process and take appropriate action? Based on 2005 levels of greenhouse gas emissions, China has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% to 45% by 2020.No developed country has yet made such a large commitment. As Obama demanded, Washington pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 17% of 2005 levels by 2020.Although the U.S. Congress rejected the passage of a draft climate law.

Washington will take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a series of regulatory measures.By classifying carbon dioxide as a single pollutant, the EPA will set a cap to better regulate carbon dioxide emissions. It will take a long time for such a move to have an effect.As far as the current situation is concerned, the goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions to 17% seems to be difficult to achieve. Currently, there are still no binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.Negotiations still have a long way to go and will continue at the next climate summit in Cancún in late 2011.

This means that there will be more specific, mandatory measures and new treaties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.But to do that will require a truly voluntary commitment from all countries. On the other hand, it is also necessary to find a way to support the famous Cancun Green Fund, which will be an opportunity to test the political will of each country before launching their respective plans for 2030.