UCL IEDE staff share thoughts on COP21 agreement

UCL IEDE staff members have been reflecting on COP21 and sharing their thoughts on the Paris agreement. You can read more on the UCL IEDE blog.

Dr Anna Mavrogianni:

"The outcome of the Paris climate talks is possibly better than expected for many, especially when compared to that of the Copenhagen climate change summit in 2009. The fact that a consensus was reached among nearly 200 countries and that each country will set an emissions target is undeniably remarkable. However, the national pledges to reduce emissions are voluntary; we still have a very long way to go with respect to the implementation of these low carbon pathways that will allow us to prevent climate breakdown. Therefore, whilst the result of the negotiations is the best there has ever been, it is very difficult to be optimistic at the moment."

Clive Shrubsole:

"I’m a lifelong Tottenham fan and can still remember the rollercoaster of previous years where preseason expectation often nosedived into frustration and disappointment. We were OK playing at home, but when playing away invariably folded often with heavy losses.

However, I love the current performances, the new sense of belief and energy on the pitch, the consistency wherever the venue and the joy of being with IEDE colleagues at games and watching us win and often in spectacular fashion.

In some ways I feel the same about COP21 when compared to previous summits; great expectations, agreement (albeit voluntary) and a renewed sense of purpose and drive with clear goals. After all, the fact is, climate change is a fact. The science behind climate change and the ongoing evidence is now overwhelming with 95% certainty in term of made-made emissions being the source. Read more...