Info on COP15 Climate Change Conference

The United Nations Climate Change Conference is an international conference on global warming between 200 nations and several organizations.

Why it happened

The United Nations knows that greenhouse emissions are a problem, but everyone has a different solution. Therefore, the UN gathered everyone to make a plan on how to reduce pollution starting in 2012.

Who Was Involved

United States

The United States is one of the largest polluters of any nation but only has 5 percent of the world’s population. Big business like oil, coal, and food companies are putting pressure on politicians not to restrict carbon emissions. However, President Obama has said he wishes to work with other countries to reduce carbon emissions.

China

China has both the largest population and largest emissions of any country. Since the country is growing, they have often tried to resist limits on emissions, but it seems willing to accept limitations if the Western world helps them develop clean industry.

Large Developing Nations

With only 6% of emissions and 20% of Earth’s people, nations like Brazil and India are resisting emissions restrictions because they want to keep modernizing.

Europe

European nations lead the campaign for pollution limits. Their populations are not as dependent on oil as Americans, and they are pushing for strict agreements.

What Went On

The conference--

Reported on the current situation:

• The conference opened with a report that confirms that the earth is getting warmer with each decade.
• Polar ice caps are increasingly melting.
• Droughts are plaguing Africa and other arid climates.
• Ocean reefs are disappearing

Planned on how to reduce emissions:

• Countries pledged how much they will limit their businesses from emitting greenhouse gases.
• Cap and Trade is a possible system that would allow businesses to buy and sell each others’ “carbon emission allowance” that the government gave them.

Decided how to pay for these plans:

• Restrictions will hurt developing countries the most, so industrialized countries like the U.S. are expected to jump in and help. Struggling countries will need help developing: eco-friendly industry and technology, farming and food strategies should drought occur, and more effective disaster response.