So there’s big news today from Paris that countries from around the world have agreed to combat climate change.  That’s great and I have to say the initial news reports look good but I do have a bit of a problem because going into this conference the big countries already agreed to that there would be some sort of an agreement by the end of it.

The central goal of the agreement is laid out in one phrase:

“Holding the increase in global average temperature to well below 2 degrees C above pre-industrial levels …”

Limiting the rise in temperature to 2 degrees (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) has been discussed as a global goal for several years now. That amount of warming will still have a substantial impact, scientists say, but will be less devastating than allowing temperatures to rise unchecked.

And…

“To help developing countries switch from fossil fuels to greener sources of energy and adapt to the effects of climate change, the developed world will provide $100 billion a year,” NPR’s Chris Joyce, who has been covering the climate conference, reports.

But that amount is identified as a “floor,” not a ceiling.

but…

Diplomacy isn’t always quantifiable. Many sections of the deal, of course, don’t nail down any numbers at all.

For instance, nations around the world “should strengthen their cooperation on enhancing action on adaptation” to the effects of climate change, the agreement states.

“All Parties should cooperate to enhance the capacity of develop country Parties to implement this agreement,” it says elsewhere. And “Parties shall cooperate in taking measures, as appropriate, to enhance climate change education, training, public awareness, public participation and public access to information.”

Source: NPR

Let’s see how many countries actually ratify this agreement, I do like aggressive goals but uh we’re already 0.8 C above pre industrial revolution temperatures…  I’m hoping for the best but will reserve judgement till further details are released.