The Paris Climate Change Agreement Goes Into Effect This Month
On November 4, 2016, the Paris Agreement went into effect. What is next? The signatories must implement its terms and help meet their own goals and perhaps do better. The central aim of the Agreement is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by holding the increase in the global average temperature to below 2°C, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change. The Paris Agreement is also meant to strengthen the abilities of countries to adapt to deleterious impacts of climate change by helping one another out both technologically and financially.
Before The Paris Agreement each country prepared its own plan to reduce GHG emissions or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), an implementation plan. Now the nations must implement their plans. Of course, adding complexity to this problem is the election of Donald Trump as President of the US, the second largest emitter of GHGs, who has said he will have the US repeal its portion and obligations of this Agreement, as well as its economic contribution. This led to much criticism. It will be interesting to see what he does when he comes to office on January 20, 2017.
President Obama Directs Agencies To Consider National Security Impacts Of Climate Change
On September 21, 2016, President Obama issued a Memorandum titled Climate Change and National Security. (https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/09/21/presidential-memorandum-climate-change-and-national-security). The purpose of the Memorandum is to ensure that in the development of national security doctrine, policies, and plans climate change-related impacts are fully considered. The Memorandum establishes the Climate and National Security Working Group, to be made up of representatives from various federal agencies, including the USEPA, the Council on Environmental Quality, and the USDOE. The Working Group will ultimately develop recommendations for agencies such as the Departments of State, Defense, and Homeland Security. The Memorandum is expected to be revoked by the next administration. The Working Group is expected to issue its Action Plan, outlining specific objectives and milestones for carrying out the policies identified in the Memorandum.
CCES can help your company evaluate how Climate Change affects your operations and the various physical and regulatory risks associated with it. We can work with you to reduce your GHG emissions and realize the maximum financial benefits that go with smart strategies. Contact us today at karell@CCESworld.com or at 914-584-6720.