December has arrived and cue the cliché about how fast time goes by. The holiday season looks like a lot of different things to a lot of different people, but I think it is safe to assume that at minimum, we all have the very human experience of reflection. December is a time to look back on the trials and tribulations of the last year and look forward to a new trip around the sun, ripe with possibility and resolutions. In the world of climate action, there is a sleigh-load of 2021 happenings to reflect on, so let’s get a little pensive.
‘Twas 2015 when 196 countries met in Paris for the United Nations Climate Change Conference, affectionately known as COP (Conference of Parties), and formed an agreement to try to limit global warming to “well below” 2ºC, in an effort to avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change. In the 2015 Paris Agreement, leaders agreed to reconvene every five years to take a look at progress made, and update individual climate plans–called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)–as necessary.
Local residents test out the "Frunk (front trunk)" of a Tesla at a Climate Action Collaborative Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive Showcase event in October at Mountain Recreation"
Five years, plus one COVID year, passed and this fall, Glasgow, Scotland, hosted COP26. This conference came in wake of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s most recent jarring report, in which scientists stated “climate change is widespread, rapid, and intensifying.” Leaders came with updated NDCs for the first time since Paris and negotiated next moves. The talks at COP26 resulted in progress, not perfection. Ten years ago, we were on track for a terrifying, 4º- 6ºC of uninhabitable warming by 2100, but now, depending on how well those agreed upon pledges are implemented, we may manage to reduce it to a slightly less dangerous 1.8º - 2.7º C of warming. Keep in mind that we want less than 1.5ºC of warming to ward off the worst disasters and losses of life. You can explore more about COP26 here.
All these global negotiations trickle down to Eagle County. This past summer, the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization came out with a study that modeled various carbon emissions scenarios and looked at their effects on Eagle and Summit Counties. The report looked at three communities: Edwards/Avon, Vail Mountain, and Eagle. In all areas, "an average summer day in mid-century could be three degrees hotter than the single hottest day of the late 20th century."
In a scenario with moderate increases in carbon emissions, the average temperature highs during warm months (May-October) in each community will see increases of about 5ºF. Warmer winters are also predicted. Vail Mountain used to only see 57 days above 32ºF from November to April, but this will increase to 75 days in the period 2040-2059. This leads to a shorter ski season, with 17 days that are 40ºF or warmer from March to April, when there used to only be 12.
In sum, rising global temperatures will impact our county’s recreation economies, the health and safety of our communities due to increased risk of natural disasters, and our availability of natural resources. However, if you remember just one thing from this study, remember that action right now can prevent the worst of climate change impacts and that action must happen locally, nationally, and globally. We can limit warming to 1.5ºC with the right level of grit and determination.
The Climate Action Collaborative and its partners have no shortage of determination. We’ve been working hard toward our goal of a 50% emissions reduction by 2030. We want to ensure that our communities can be looked to as leaders, and that no matter what the rest of the world does, we are committed to creating a more sustainable planet. To put a bow on our columns for this year and do a little bragging, I present to you my favorite part of this climate reflection: a 2021 Eagle County Climate Action Rundown. This list is not exhaustive and it certainly doesn’t capture all of the nuanced tasks and discussions that went into this year’s work. Know that there is momentum in our Buildings, Transportation, Materials Management, Energy Supply, Water, and Carbon Sequestration sectors. We’re proud and we’re grateful, and we hope you are too.
To all our partners: thank you so much for the time and effort you put into this cause. Your passion and dedication is endlessly inspiring and will carry us far.
Wondering how you can get involved? Visit the Climate Action Collaborative website, or, take the Eagle County Climate Action Pledge!
To our readers: please visit climateactioncollaborative.org if you’d like to learn more or get involved. Happy holidays!
Links & Sources:
Paris Agreement: https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement
IPCC 6th Assessment Report: https://www.ipcc.ch/assessment-report/ar6/
COP 26: https://unfccc.int/conference/glasgow-climate-change-conference-october-november-2021
Eagle County Climate Study: http://rockymountainclimate.org/extremes/eagle.htm
GoEV City: https://www.goevcity.org/
By Claire Cantor, Climate Action Collaborative