The Paris Agreement finally takes effect after a continuous effort to fend off the disastrous climate change. Reaching about 195 countries, the agreement endorses the goal to address the planet-warming emissions of greenhouse gases. It aims to limit the increase of global temperatures to 2°C, and if possible, to 1.5°C. Presenting the specific details to successfully eradicate the problems, however, remains a struggle. According to the Paris-based executive director of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, even if the countries that signed the agreement fully achieves their initial vows, the increase will still be closer to 2.7°C.
A number of companies is still yet to implement financial changes to address climate change. The accord has also weakened the carbon emissions market for months since its approval. Nevertheless, fuel consumption still increases as the number of people who can afford to travel by air is continuously rising and the sales of fuel-powered cars has grown in developing countries. Although electric cars have been introduced in the market and are patronized widely, the sales for it represent approximately only 1% of all cars sold, convincing automotive companies to produce more fuel-guzzling cars instead. In spite of all the difficulties to solve the problems of climate change, executives are still impelled to take responsibility on addressing global warming.
Vocabulary:
fend off – prevent
disastrous – damaging
eradicate – eliminate
vow – promise
patronize – support
impel – urge
True or False:
- The Paris Agreement aims to limit the increase of global temperatures to 5°C.
- The accord has also weakened the carbon emissions market for months since its approval.
- Fuel consumption still increases as the number of people who can afford to travel by air is continuously rising and the sales of fuel-powered cars has grown in developing countries.
Defend your argument:
- Do you think that the Paris Agreement is enough to solve the problems caused by climate change?
- Do you agree that big companies should be involved in helping to address global warming?
- Do you think everyone should start using electric cars instead of fuel-powered cars?
Express your opinion:
- What do you think should be done to help strengthen the Paris Agreement?
- What can a person do to help solve the problems caused by climate change?
- What do you do to help save the environment?