In the middle of a nail-biting US election this month, an event occurred which may have passed people by, but which has huge consequences for our common home.
Three years ago, the Trump administration announced that it was pulling the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement, a decision which came into effect on November 4 this year. The Paris agreement is an international binding treaty which for the first time brought all nations together to fight a common cause: to combat climate change and help our world deal with the catastrophic impacts of the environmental crisis. Signed in 2015 by 198 nations, it was an historic moment for our world. The main aim of the agreement is to keep global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to strive for 1.5 degrees. It is a monumental task which involves every country reaching specific targets in terms of carbon emissions as well as switching to renewable forms of energy and supporting developing countries to mitigate against the devastating effects of the climate crisis.
The timing of Laudato Si’s publication in 2015 was perfect, just months before the Paris Climate talks, it was seen by many as a game-changer, a wake-up call for the church and the world. Many experts have noted that without Laudato Si’ it is far from sure that the Paris agreement would have been signed.
While President Trump cited jobs and economics as the reasons for pulling out, he ignored the huge potential that the switch to a green economy could bring, potentially creating employment for millions of people. He also ignored the enormous cost of doing nothing. As the campaign trail continued, the fires along the Western Coast of the United States raged destroying over 10,000 homes, killing 46 people and burning (to date) over 5 million acres which include ancient forests and farmland. In the middle of a pandemic 90,000 Americans were placed on evacuation alert.
The US is responsible for 15% of global carbon emissions annually and historically is the second largest emitter of carbon emissions. Without their involvement, the goals of the Paris agreement become far more difficult to reach. As Joe Biden was declared President Elect this month, the architects of the Paris Climate Accord breathed a sigh of relief. He has already declared that the US will re-join the agreement in the next 70 days.
The Paris agreement affects everyone, but it affects future generations more so. If we truly care that each person experiences the fullness of life, that everyone can live in a safe environment with clean water, food and is protected from climate driven disasters such as drought, famine, super storms and rising sea levels, then this announcement from President elect Joe Biden is a reason to rejoice.
Jane Mellett is the Laudato Si Officer with Trócaire
