First - the facts. Four points on what is the Paris Climate Agreement:

1) It’s all about 2 degrees

The backbone of the Paris agreement is the global target of keeping global average temperatures from rising 2°C (compared to temperatures pre-industrial revolution) by the end of the century. Beyond 2 degrees, we risk dramatically higher seas, changes in weather patterns, food and water crises, and an overall more hostile world.

Critics have argued that the 2-degree mark is arbitrary, or even too low, to make a difference. But it’s a starting point, a goal that, before Paris, the world was on a track to wildly miss.

2) It’s voluntary

To accomplish this 2-degree goal, the accord states that countries should strive to reach peak emissions “as soon as possible."

195 countries have agreed to it. But there’s also no defined punishment for breaking it. The idea is to create a culture of accountability (and maybe some peer pressure) to get countries to step up their climate game.

In 2020, delegates are supposed to reconvene and provide updates about their emission pledges, and report on how they’re becoming more aggressive on accomplishing the 2-degree goal.

3) It asks richer countries to help out poorer countries

There’s a fundamental inequality when it comes to global emissions. Rich countries have plundered and burned huge amounts of fossil fuels, and gotten rich from them. Poor countries seeking to grow their economies are now shunned from using the same fuels. Many low-lying poor countries also will be among the first to bear the worst impacts of climate change.

So as part of the Paris agreement, richer countries, like the US, are supposed to send $100 billion a year in aid by 2020 to the poorer countries. And that amount is set to increase over time. Again, like the other provisions of the agreement, this isn’t an absolute mandate.

4) The agreement matters because we absolutely need momentum on this issue

The Paris agreement is largely symbolic, and it will live on even if Trump withdraws the US. But as Vox’s Jim Tankersley writes, “the accord will be weakened, and, much more importantly, so will the fragile international coalition” around climate change.

Taken from Vox.com, read more on this topic.

NOW - How to get up off our asses and assist the change. Remember (post on the fridge if you need to) .....

“WE ONLY GET ONE CHANCE WITH MOTHER EARTH. ”

Now that the man in The White House has gone and f&cked us all over, we have to resist more than ever. For our families sake, and for your children's future family's sake. Take the time to learn about organizations whose only goal is to help preserve (save) our natural resources (planet in general).

Greenpeace Fund

Made famous in the 1970’s and 80’s for its seafaring bands of activists peacefully accosting whaling ships and exposing covert nuclear testing, today’s Greenpeace describes climate change as “the number one threat facing our planet”. Greenpeace has not lost its passionate idealism, maintains its corporate integrity, and still inspires many to urgent, hopeful direct action. Courageous efforts by small groups of concerned individuals have influenced governments in the past, as with Greenpeace’s inaugural efforts to stop nuclear testing at Amchitka Alaska.

Friends of the Earth

Friends of the Earth describes itself as a “bold and fearless voice for justice and the planet”. Recent campaigns have targeted bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides, “dirty” tar sands oil extraction, and the environmental devastation of palm oil production. Those who oppose widespread adoption of nanotechnology, genetically engineered foods, and human gene patenting will appreciate FOE’s clear stance and advocacy.

Environmental Working Group

Known for their annual “Dirty Dozen” list revealing the highest (and lowest) pesticide concentrations in conventionally-grown produce, EWG is known for researching and spreading awareness regarding toxic chemicals, sustainable versus exploitative agricultural practices, consumer product safety, and corporate accountability. Right now, EWG promises that monetary gifts will be doubled through a matching campaign. This is a good pick for those with a passion for clean food.

**Taken from Eartheasy, click here for more groups committed to saving the planet. And then commit yourself to doing the same. Let's not forget that it is now up to us to invent the future.