-Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations
Following the most recent terrorist attacks in Paris, Lebanon, Nigeria and Mali there is a growing sense of solidarity among many formerly conflicting countries in the world. Prior to the tragic events on November 13th in Paris the COP 21 Conference was the greatest opportunity for governments and global leaders to unite for a common interest. Terrorist threats and the fate of millions of refugees are now the priority. Another equally devastating issue related to global instability is human created climate change which affects every man, woman, child and animal species on the planet. Extreme weather events, rising sea levels, melting glaciers and the threat of coastal flooding has and will continue to cause damage, destruction or death.
The goal of COP 21 which is an abbreviated form of 21st Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, sometimes referred to as CMP11 is for the first time in years allowing these negotiations to establish universal binding agreements among all countries. Each nation will present their plan for lowering carbon emissions, sustainable energy, conservation, issues of flooding, drought, starvation and prevention of further animal extinctions. After years of uncompromising frustration with talks ending in stalemate the time has come to finally institute a crucial concrete course of action. Despite the horrific attacks on the courageous, resilient residents of Paris, Friday November 13th, President of France, Francois Hollande will host nearly 50,000 delegates from 195 countries including two of the largest contributors to CO 2 emissions, USA and China. The international conference is the most notable ever organized by the French government. COP 21 begins Monday, November 30th, ending December 11th, 2015.
