It’s clear from the headlines in the news that climate change is becoming more and more evident across the globe. From severe droughts and flash floods to devastating hurricanes and melting glaciers, the changing weather poses a real risk. However, it’s not just global warming that is a huge threat to our planet. There are a range of other issues, including the use of plastic and overusing Earth’s natural resources.

It’s against this backdrop that the world’s leaders tried to halt negative effects on our planet. The good news is, public awareness is growing, and it’s not just because of legislation. The likes of environmental charities, popular broadcast programmes (e.g. Blue Planet), influential celebrities and a whole host of media are all making a major impact too – educating the masses and inspiring action on a global scale.

It’s obvious that we still have a lot of work to do before we truly combat climate change, but we are definitely making progress. Individuals across all age groups and online platforms (you can learn more here) are putting forward their best efforts to bring about the change. Leaders from across the globe are stepping up efforts to ensure marked changes are being made to dramatically reduce emissions and change behaviours – and fast.

Here, gas cylinder suppliers, Flogas, take a look at several of the key environmental laws and regulations.

The Paris Agreement

The landmark climate deal of 2015 marked a significant milestone, representing the world’s first unified effort to combat climate change collectively from 2020 onwards. Under the umbrella of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), nearly 200 countries came to a consensus to curtail greenhouse gas emissions. They pledged to cap global temperature increases at no more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an ambitious aim to lower it even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius if feasible. Progress will be evaluated every five years, and donor nations will contribute financial support to less developed countries.

However, scientists emphasize that much more aggressive action is required to meet the targets set by this agreement. A recent UN report indicates that the world needs to triple its current efforts to meet the 2-degree target. The crucial starting point is a reduction in fossil fuel emissions, particularly through curbing oil production. Notably, several oil companies have already taken steps or have plans to decommission oil wells, with the assistance of reputable firms like this Alberta production testing and well abandonment firm, setting a positive example for the industry.

Beyond reducing oil production, a multifaceted approach is necessary to decrease fossil fuel emissions. This includes the larger use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, and adopting energy-efficient technologies and practices. Governments play a vital role in implementing policies that decrease energy demand, including standards for energy efficiency in vehicles, buildings, and appliances, as well as promoting public transportation initiatives. Lastly, educating the public about the importance of reducing fossil fuel consumption and the advantages of renewable energy sources is paramount in driving meaningful change.

The war on plastic

Plastic has many positive uses, but it’s in fact a major pollutant. An estimated 12.7 million tonnes of it ends up in our oceans each year (the equivalent of a truck load every minute). This has led many countries to introduce bans or taxes to try and limit the exponential rise in plastic usage. Denmark started levying a charge on plastics bags as early as 1993, and the 2002 ‘bag tax’ in Ireland resulted in a huge 90% drop in demand for single-use plastic bags. More recently, Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced a ban on plastic straws, cotton buds and stirrers could be in place by late 2019. Looking ahead, the European Union has voiced its intention to ban a range of plastic items (including straws, plates and single-use cutlery) completely by 2021, justifying that these can be replaced with more sustainable materials.

The amount of media plastic pollution has generated has been unprecedented. This has meant it has risen to the forefront of public consciousness. This has led a number of major companies to make significant changes to their operations by ditching plastic (or pledging to do so rapidly). This includes food outlets such as McDonalds and Pizza Express, all Four Seasons and Hilton hotels, as well as pub chain Wetherspoons and sandwich shop Pret a Manger – to name but a few.

Clean Air Strategy

In May 2018, the Clean Air Strategy was released to cut air pollution and human exposure to particulate matter pollution. Business and companies are working toward either the promotion of creating or providing solutions for proactive dust management, emphasizing the need for industries to employ effective measures to control dust emissions and minimize their impact on air quality. The new strategy is part of a 25-year plan to leave the environment in a better state and is an addition to the 3.5 billion scheme already in place to reduce air pollution from road transport and diesel vehicles, set out in July last year.

The end goal, by 2025, is to have halved the amount of people who are living in areas in which concentrations of particulate matter are above guideline limits. What’s more, it pledges to ensure only the cleanest domestic fuels are available, to tackle ammonia from farming, to address non-exhaust emissions of micro plastics from vehicles, to empower local government with new primary legislation, to invest in scientific research and innovation in clean technology, and much more.

Ban on coal

Many countries have a high number of coal-fired power stations in use. However, the ban on coal which was introduced (and will come into force in October 2025) has presented energy companies with an ultimatum: adapt your existing assets to generate greener energy or close your power station. This rule has already set in motion the change, with some stations adapting or building infrastructure for cleaner energy generation, whilst others have decided to remain active right up until the ban.

It was during climate talks in Bonn that it was decided coal power plants would be phased out and that they would be replaced with cleaner technologies. Canada, the UK and the Marshall Islands who led the way, forming a global alliance called ‘Powering Past Coal.’ One year on since its launch, the alliance now has 75 members who are committed to replacing unabated coal-fired electricity with cleaner alternatives.

Road to Zero Strategy

As the transportation sector accounts for the highest overall share of greenhouse gas emissions in the economy, changes are crucial if countries are to to hit their carbon reduction targets. The Department for Transport’s 2018 ‘Road to Zero Strategy,’ sets out that at least 50% (and as many as 70%) of new car sales will be ultra-low emission by 2030, and up to 40% for new vans. This policy also addresses reducing emissions from vehicles already on the roads and plans to end the sale of conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040.

As we move towards a world of zero emission cars, we will need a major expansion of green infrastructure across the country. One major focus is on increasing the availability of charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs). The Road to Zero strategy sets the stage for what the government has hailed ‘the biggest technology advancement to hit roads since the invention of the combustion engine.’

Sources: Guardian, BBC, The Sun, Greenpeace, Reusethisbag, DEFRA, Climate Action, Poweringpastcoalalliance, Gov.uk