What is climate change? Climate change is any long term change in a regions climate. In the modern context we are talking about climate change as a result of emissions from human activity. What causes Climate change? There are many natural causes of climate change. Over the last 100 years we have seen human causes as a result of land use change and emissions of greenhouse gasses. Why is COP 17 so important for SA and the world? COP 17 is about continuing the conversation around climate change and trying to get some sort of international consensus to combat the problem. It is immensely important and impossibly difficult. Do you see world leaders reaching an agreement at COP 17, on solving the issue? I would love to say yes, but in truth, there is very little true political will to make the necessary changes. And any agreement would be impossible to enforce.
What can a ‘normal’ person on the street do to help in the fight against climate Change? Besides conserving as much energy and water as possible, the most important thing is probably lobbying the government for improved standards of public transport and environmental protection. Do you think SA has done enough to fight Climate Change and what can govt do? Nowhere near. We have one of the largest rates of CO2 emission in the world and are almost entirely reliant on coal for our energy, with no real plans to change that in the foreseeable future. But the most important thing that the government could do is just focus on the basics. Water infrastructure, proper financial management and sorting out education will do far more to combat and adapt us to climate change than drawing up yet another nice sounding plan.
WatchMojo video on YouTube – Climate Change explained
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