In Paris, leaders from 160 different countries are gathered to sign the Paris Climate Agreement. Today has been chosen because it is Earth Day, a global day of activism that aims to help support and promote global sustainability and green projects. The Paris Climate Agreement outlines keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius, with developed countries providing $100 billion (£70 bn) of public and private finance to help this be achieved by 2020.
And that is awesome, but really is it enough?
This year has been a particularly interesting year for the weather. My day job sees analyzing the performance of global commodities (it’s okay to yawn), and I pay particular interest to the commodity markets, in particular, Softs (coffee, cocoa, and sugar) and grains (wheat, corn, and soybean). But, this year has, unlike many in recent history, already been marred by severe issues of draught, unpredictable weather patterns and disruptions to prevailing wind patterns.
Sure, the Paris talks are important, and grassroots projects should be encouraged, but we need bit changes to halt the big changes that are already clearly visible in the growing seasons around the world.
If we can’t grow food, we perish. And we are looking, at some of the projections, to being unable to feed the burgeoning global population if current patterns continue.
These are big problems and they need big solutions, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. But the little things can help too if we all consciously help.
The Telegraph has a suggestion of a few things you should try this Earth Day. They include cycling to work, using a recyclable coffee cup, going dairy and meat-free at least once a week.
Well, I think those are excellent suggestions, but we should make Earth Day every day. Simple changes like eating a vegan lunch, or using a reusable bottle or cup can change the world. But let’s also be more radical. Think bigger. Grow some of your own food. Understand the value of the soil. Join organizations. Start organizations. Found projects and promote changes.
Small things start revolutions. Plant the seeds, and let them grow.
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