Ten years ago, we thought we would be flying cars and co-existing with robots, but that's not the case - the year is 2021, and we are being inundated with an issue that we are far from solving - Climate Change.
Climate change has always been a lingering issue for all of us. However, it is not only affecting us humans but also our biosphere. From rising temperatures to melting glaciers - the drastic effects climate change has on the environment and ecosystem may not recover if we don't respond fast enough to save what we and the rest of the world call home.
Thankfully with the uprising of demanding climate action, many brilliant ideas have been proposed to tackle this issue - especially the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
First held in 1995, The United Nations Climate Change Conference is a seminar in different countries annually. This year, Scotland, United Kingdom, has the pleasure of being the official host for COP26, the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference. It's fantastic news - but do we recognize the importance of this to the world of Law?
The COP26 strives to achieve four goals on its agenda: To ensure global net-zero by 2050 and limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees and below, preserve the population and the ecosystem, assemble finance from international financial institutions, and lastly, work together to deliver.
Alok Sharma quoted in his Ted Talk on COP26 that "I witnessed the terrible effects that the crisis is already having in developing countries amongst people who, quite frankly, have done the very least to cause it.". To understand the importance of what he meant, we should look at what developing countries and developed countries are doing that harms the earth.
Studies have shown that developed countries account for more than 60% of the world's current carbon emissions. Countries with more resources like the UK and US should urge businesses to spread awareness for COP26.
The Legal sector must lay the groundwork because it can play a significant role in setting the scene for the community to take part in this scheme (COP26). Not just that, taking part in tackling climate change can also avoid the risks it may pose to businesses. There are many ways companies can take part, for example, pledge to reduce carbon emissions or pledge to become carbon negative. These targets are evident in multimillion-dollar businesses like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon.
However, businesses can't do this alone - this is where Legal assistance comes in.
Many Law firms have created a 'Climate Change' team where the department specializes in advising businesses on climate change issues. Likewise, companies can ultimately have a smoother transition to their goal of net-zero or carbon-neutral with the guidance of the correct Law.
Law firms can help businesses navigate climate change challenges like understanding legislation or drafting climate-relations contracts. Moreover, law firms can support businesses by guiding them in searching for the most affordable investment to sustain their business and tackle climate change.
Law is the backbone of businesses, and businesses are the backbone of an economy. That is why the legal sector should contribute to making the world a greener place.
Reference:
Center For Global Development. (2021). Developing Countries Are Responsible for 63 Percent of Current Carbon Emissions. [online] Available at: <https://www.cgdev.org/media/developing-countries-are-responsible-63-percent-current-carbon-emissions> [Accessed 16 August 2021].
Jackson, P., (2021). From Stockholm to Kyoto: A Brief History of Climate Change | United Nations. [online] United Nations. Available at: <https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/stockholm-kyoto-brief-history-climate-change> [Accessed 15 August 2021].
Sharma, A., (2021). Why COP26 is our best chance for a greener future. [online] Ted.com. Available at: <https://www.ted.com/talks/alok_sharma_why_cop26_is_our_best_chance_for_a_greener_future/transcript?language=en> [Accessed 16 August 2021].
Slaughter and May. (2021). What is COP26 - 1. [online] Available at: <https://view.pagetiger.com/what-is-cop-26> [Accessed 17 August 2021].
United Nations, 2021. COP26 Goals - UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) at the SEC – Glasgow 2021. [online] UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) at the SEC – Glasgow 2021. Available at: <https://ukcop26.org/cop26-goals/> [Accessed 15 August 2021].
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