Metaphorically Standing Together Against Climate Change in Paris
(Image credit: //d2h3bjlv56u1wn.uloop.com/LEujtzgvKRRXqxCjhZ0ZBA%3D%3D/e66ba80d/News-Metaphorically-Standing-Together-Against-Climate-Change-in-Paris-for-College-Students.jpg)
Continuing in the Aftershock of Terrorism
November 13th was a day that sent shock waves through Paris, as well as the rest of the world. Occurring just a few weeks before COP21 was scheduled to take place in Paris, the attacks could have also prevented the uniting of hundreds of countries to discuss climate change. But the world was not going to let that happen. Thus, with the addition of some extra security measures, the conference continued as planned. As President Obama said during the first session of COP21: “What greater rejection of those who would tear down our world than marshaling our best efforts to save it?” And so the conference continues, ending on December 11th.
(Image credit: //d31gnh3j8cblbd.uloop.com/LEujtzgvKRRXqxCjhZ0ZBA%3D%3D/b20a492f/News-Metaphorically-Standing-Together-Against-Climate-Change-in-Paris-for-College-Students.jpg)
Keeping Public Safety the Main Concern
As remarkable and inspiring as it is for Paris to push forward with COP21 following the events of the 13th, there were a few necessary precautionary changes they made that affected the conference. One such precaution being the ban on public demonstrations in Paris. This ban had the safety and well-being of everyone in mind. However, a consequence of this was the cancellation of the march through Paris.
A World Uniting
While Parisians had to sit out of the Global Climate March, that did not stop the rest of the world. The Global Climate March was organized by a coalition of climate groups and activists to demonstrate to the political officials of the world that this issue has the people’s attention and support. Marchers “demand a climate treaty that’s in line with the realities of science and the principles of social justice” (350.org). An estimated 785,000 people marched in over 2,300 marches that took place in 175 different countries.
(Image credit: //d6ihkm3scxop5.uloop.com/LEujtzgvKRRXqxCjhZ0ZBA%3D%3D/a5d2bef7/News-Metaphorically-Standing-Together-Against-Climate-Change-in-Paris-for-College-Students.jpg)
The Parisian’s Loophole
Legally, for the safety of the public, protesters could not gather in Paris. But the point of the protest was to make a statement, to get the attention of the powerful people drafting climate treaties two doors down at COP21. There was no need for people to be physically present in one location to make this statement. So, to demonstrate that they are standing up against climate change, around 20,000 protesters left their shoes on the street at the Place de la Republique. Included along the streets were the shoes of some very important people. One being the U.N. Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon. Speaking about the placing of shoes, Ki-moon said, “As the world gathers in Paris to stand up for climate action, let us also stand in the shoes of all victims of terrorism, war and persecution…and respond with compassion.” Also amidst the various shoes were the notable formal black shoes of Pope Francis. Even those who could not march stood up with the rest of the world in peaceful protest.
(Image credit: //d2h3bjlv56u1wn.uloop.com/LEujtzgvKRRXqxCjhZ0ZBA%3D%3D/8dbe6ee5/News-Metaphorically-Standing-Together-Against-Climate-Change-in-Paris-for-College-Students.jpg)
Did We Get Their Attention?
Only time will tell. A lot of the major world powers (The U.S., France, Germany, the U.K., India, China, Canada) support the idea of a temperature limit at 1.5 degrees Celsius. Of course, this would be easier said than done. Reaching 1.5 would practically require the immediate transition to completely renewable energy (ideally completed by 2030), leaving all remaining fossil fuels underground. One of the ideas bounced around in Paris is complete decarbonization by 2050, of course this would require the wealthier countries to start flashing some major money. With only days left in the conference, the public is stuck biting our nails in anticipation.
Info gathered from:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/11/30/remarks-president-obama-first-session-cop21
http://350.org/global-climate-march/
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/climate-protest-paris-1.3342384
Follow Uloop
Apply to Write for Uloop News
Join the Uloop News TeamDiscuss This Article
