Current Events Blog: Environmental Law

Article Link: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/u-s-and-china-formally-commit-to-paris-climate-accord/

Topic: Environmental Laws / Treaties / Policies

This article is about the United States and China signing on to the Paris Treaty and promising to cut emissions. There are varying opinions on whether or not this is a good decision; many people think that it is a bad idea and that it is setting unrealistic goals. The article continues to talk about how the upcoming US election can be influential to the future of the treaty and whether the US abides by it. It discusses ways that Republicans can hinder the treaty and the challenges that come with cutting emissions. The article goes on to talk about how the joint ratification shows the strong relationship between two countries with the strongest economies. The article was objective, giving the arguments of both the opponents and proponents of the Paris Treaty. After reading the article, I think China and the United States signing the Paris Treaty is a positive act that brings the world closer to reducing emissions and lessening climate change. The fact that the two countries with some of the largest economies, influence, and emissions that contribute to climate change have signed to cut their pollution is a great thing in my opinion. Already over 200 countries have signed on to the agreement, and hopefully these two countries joining will cause even more to sign and lessen their emissions. When one country cuts their emissions, it makes a tiny difference, but every country in the world lessening their emissions could be enough to hinder or even stop climate change and help out planet. The article was objective, giving the arguments of both the opponents and proponents of the Paris Treaty. This article really made me think about how countries can cooperate to make a global change and made me wonder if this would be enough to help the environment. With so many countries already releasing so much into the atmosphere, is this plan feasible and is it enough? I think it is, and I believe that the United States and China signing on and promising to cut their emissions is a promising indicator that environmental law can help reduce emissions.