However, I do not believe that success at Copenhagen will guarantee a green future, for several reasons. First off is the idea that a treaty alone will not be effective, even if it does aim to cut emissions to that 350 level. The reason for this should be quite obvious, countries that sign on to a treaty may not necessarily live up to the standards of the treaty (think Kyoto), no matter how much the world pressures that nation to do so.
The United States is a prime example of this problem. Let's say that the treaty is passed, it is still up to individual governments in their countries to pass legislation that will allow them to meet the standards of the treaty. I do not think I am cynical in saying that the U.S. isn't going to pass effective environmental legislation anytime soon. First a brief aside, the U.S. is currently in the middle of a fierce healthcare debate, which has exposed some of the worst partisanship seen in a long time. While there does seem to be a general agreement on both sides that the healthcare system does need to be fixed, the divisions on how to fix it are great. Now imagine trying to get both sides together on climate change. An issue that many powerful figures in the U.S. still believe to be a hoax. The task of getting a strong climate change bill through, becomes nearly impossible, when you consider how difficult it has been for healthcare reform to be passed.
Alright, so let's assume that governments do pass effective legislation necessary to meet the 350 target. Will they be effectively enforced? As a current environmental law student I can say that, at least here in Canada, they likely won't be enforced as effectively as necessary. I am not opposed to the idea of regulations however, government has a really good track record in being completely incompetent. I can't help but think that the laws passed will be full of loopholes that could be easily exploited or could lead to unintended consequences. Environmentalists may not be happy when I say that we do actually have to consider industry, in order to protect the jobs of the working class. Any legislation passed will have to meet the goals of the 350 initiative while avoiding too much long-term (that word is key) damage to industry.
Finally, it may be time to realize that if we wait around for government to get their act together it could be too late. The massive turnout for the 350 day proves that their is a strong will among the people to take action on climate change. So the question is, what is everyone waiting for? There are changes we could all make in our daily lives, that don't require government regulation and involvement. If we the people begin to demonstrate in our own lives that we are willing to make changes, that will put greater pressure on government and industry to make their necessary changes.
The international day of climate action was without a doubt, inspirational. However, we should not idle by as we wait for government to take action. The time to act is now. Our actions can say to government and industry, we are making changes in our own lives, now it's your turn.
P.S. I figured it would be appropriate to provide a link to a site giving tips on how to be green, so here it is, http://www.worldwatch.org/node/3915
I would also recommend the book, "It's Easy Being Green"
