As the planet flashes warning signs, U.S. and China pledge hasty signing of climate accord

[WhiteTara]

Source: Washington Post

Against a backdrop of troubling news from the planet — including a scientific upgrade of expectations for sea level rise because of faster melting of Antarctica — the U.S. and China on Thursday pledged to jump-start their climate action plans.

The world’s two largest emitters issued a joint statement saying that they will sign the Paris climate agreement, negotiated late last year to put the world on a path to lowering greenhouse gas pollution, on April 22, the date of a long planned signing ceremony and the first day that countries can sign. April 22 is also Earth Day.

The U.S. and China further said they would “take their respective domestic steps in order to join the Agreement as early as possible this year” and called on other countries to do likewise, “with a view to bringing the Paris Agreement into force as early as possible.”

“Our two countries, with this joint statement, are making an important step forward in building on the success of Paris by urging and encouraging swift entry into force of that agreement,” said Brian Deese, senior adviser to the President, on a press call.

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/03/31/as-climate-flashes-warning-signs-u-s-and-china-pledge-hasty-entry-into-global-accord/

[CrispyQ]

1. We're fucked.

The Paris agreement does not come into force until 2020, and there has long been concern about what happens in the period between now and then. It also requires 55 separate countries, which in turn represent 55 percent of global emissions, to sign and ratify the document for it to come into effect.

Teach your kids to swim.

[WhiteTara]

3. And to hold their breath. nt

[dixiegrrrrl]

5. Tipping point has come and gone......

As Carlin said...the planet is gonna be just fine.
WE are gonna go, but the planet will adjust.
in fact, it will thrive with us gone.

I have mostly come to terms with that, but then again, I will not have grandchildren.

[AxionExcel]

2. The Repubes are busy with their War on Women, and so may not be able to screw this up

For sure the Repubes would like to screw everything over, and kiss corporate ass to screw the planet up even worse. It must piss them off that they are so busy with their War on Women that they can't spare more time for their War on Planet Earth.

[pampango]

4. Something tells me a republican president would not negotiate anything, just deny, deny, deny.

Last edited Thu Mar 31, 2016, 05:08 PM - Edit history (1)

I hope this US-China climate accord does not need congressional ratification. That ain't happening.

[riderinthestorm]

6. Hillary Clinton's proposals are minor tweaks which will also doom us

Look to Bernie Sanders or Jill Stein for robust action (even though we're probably already fucked).