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OUR PLANET MAGAZINE
CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE CRYOSPHERE
by Roberto Dobles
agenda for action
the next two decades will have a profound impact in the second half of this
century and beyond.
Policies must be modified, both nationally and globally. We cannot expect to
reverse current trends with the same policies and mechanisms that created
them in the first place. To get different results, we have to stop resorting to the
same ways. Business as usual is not an alternative. We need to devise creative
and innovative means of addressing the problem.
Our efforts should commit developed and developing economies to
stronger actions consistent with the principle of common but differentiated
responsibilities. However, defining an equitable set of responsibilities, linking
strategies and developing an effective system of global governance are key
parts of the puzzle that have yet to be defined. This must be done urgently.
And we must learn how to align our countries' priorities with global action,
Time is running out to tackle climate change. We can wait no longer. Though
it is one of the greatest challenges that humanity has faced, appropriate
action has not yet been taken. We have to recognize that, although its causes
are specific to each country, its consequences are global and cumulative. No
one can predict these with complete certainty, but we now have enough
scientific evidence to understand that the benefits of strong early action
clearly outweigh the great costs and risks of inaction.
Climate change, however, is not just about costs. A complex group of
interlinked catastrophes (environmental, economic, human, social, ethical
and political--and concerning health, equity and justice, among other
factors) also lie at the centre of the problem, as does the relationship between
developing and developed countries. The world is in danger and important
steps have to be taken soon to change course. As greenhouse gas emissions
have a long lead-time in affecting the climate, our actions (or inaction) during
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