Edmund Rice Justice Bulletin

There is widespread recognition that we are approaching a critical moment in the history of our planet. Without a binding global agreement to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions the world as we know it faces irreversible climate change with far reaching consequences for all life forms (including human life).

Already extreme weather events, disruption to  food supplies and rising sea levels are impacting on populations around the world. As those impacts increase more people will be added to the 60 million refugees and competition for dwindling resources are likely to fuel more conflicts.

There are some encouraging signs that world leaders are coming to a realisation about the need for action, with many countries committing to significantly reduce their level of CO2 emissions. However there are also worrying signs that some governments continue to prioritise their own selfish economic interests, and attempt to minimise, or even deny, what is happening (particular concerns have been expressed at the lack of commitment of Australia, India and Japan to address the issue). Overall there remains a concern that the emission targets that have been set are too low (even if they are met) and will fail to limit the global temperature rise to a manageable level.

The upcoming COP21 meeting of World Leaders in Paris is therefore crucial. Millions of people around the world will join marches on the weekend of Nov 28-29 ahead of the COP21 gathering. A large turn-out will send an important message to leaders. Will you march to help save our planet?
- article reproduced from November ERI Newsletter