Resolutions and Resolve
Late 2015 and early 2016 have been an interesting time in the eco/enviro world. An international agreement was reached in Paris at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) to reduce CO2 emissions. Yay! Following COP21 it was announced that 2015 was the warmest year and January 2016 was the warmest month (measured globally) on record. Boo! What to do when bad news effectively cancels out the good news of a month earlier? I think it calls for both resolutions and resolve.
Personally, 2015 was a year filled with small victories and incremental progress. I installed larger rainwater cisterns, replaced an old water heater with an Energy Star-rated model, fixed a garden gate with reclaimed wood and built a pallet wood yard table. I also bicycled, brewed, composted, gardened, recycled and worked on a variety of projects. Unfortunately, my blogging fell by the wayside in the daily hustle and bustle.
My resolution for 2016 is to continue to reduce our family's carbon footprint and improve our quality of life. I will also celebrate the victories, big or little, that move us toward a better life as progress is so hard won. A little celebration with a very locally brewed beverage should help provide the resolve to keep pushing forward and occasionally blog about it.
More Info:
Nations Approve Landmark Climate Accord in Paris
2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference ~ COP 21
Global climate deal: In summary
More Details About the Paris Agreement
NASA, NOAA Analyses Reveal Record-Shattering Global Warm Temperatures in 2015
