It is no small feat to get multiple representatives from 197 countries on board to sign a single document over a 2 week period. I was optimistic that an agreement would be reached when the participants agreed to a one day extension so that they could reach an agreement together.
I was elated when an accord was announced on Saturday December 12, 2015. They did it!!
Sure, armchair critics can find the shortcomings of the accord, but this is a major accomplishment. Definitely, it is 100% better than if COP21 would have ended empty-handed like on previous occasions.
This Paris Climate Accord is a huge step forward to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and it heralds a new era away from fossil fuels. The newly elected Canadian government, and the new Minister of the Environment really rose to the occasion and did an amazing job. Canada’s commitment to 1.5 degrees Celsius, and inclusion of First Nations, and gender equality were significant.
Eleven years ago, I went into renewable energy because I didn’t want to tell my children and grandchildren I did nothing when I had a chance to something to stop the relentless destruction of our beautiful planet, Earth. Yes, the past eleven years have been bumpy, but the feeling of relief that I have now with the signing of this historic agreement makes it that much sweeter.
I’ve carried a placard that said “There is no Planet B”. Now, it is up to all of us to show our love for our “Planet A” by getting a copy of this historic agreement and honouring it. We are all part of the solution.
It’s the start of a new beginning, and it will be great!
Sharolyn Mathieu Vettese
President
SMV Energy Solutions