The climate change pact just completed at the United Nations conference in Paris is, the Washington Post informs us, “historic.”
The New York Times, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, and just about every other paper uses that very word in their headlines, too.
“The 12th of December, 2015, will remain a great date for the planet,” declared French President Francois Hollande, dubbing it “the most beautiful and the most peaceful revolution that has just been accomplished.”
“History will remember this day,” U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon predicted. President Obama called it a “turning point for the world.”
Chris Mooney, in a deeper analysis for the Washington Post, agreed that all the hoopla was “more than warranted.”
But Mooney also acknowledged that, “this document, by its very nature, depends on . . . Countries, companies and individuals all across the planet [doing] the right things — and very hard things, at that.”
How hard?
Essentially ending any emission of greenhouse gases in the next half-century.
“Achieving such a reduction in emissions would involve a complete transformation of how people get energy,” the New York Times reported, “and many activists worry that despite the pledges, countries are not ready to make such profound, costly changes.”
As the negotiator for the Federated States of Micronesia put it: “We’ve agreed to what we ought to be doing, but no one yet has agreed to go do it. It’s a whole lot of pomp, given the circumstances.”
“What’s more,” adds Mooney, “even if everyone plays by the rules, the standards and goals set out by the Paris agreement may not be enough to prevent the catastrophic effects of climate change.”
Historic? History will determine that.
This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.
