Optimising for “performance” is directional #cop26
In the week where the worlds “leaders” meet to discuss and agree on the future of our climate at #COP26 , I remain sceptical about agreements. At #COP22 there was an agreement to halve deforestation by 2020 ; we missed it, so we have moved the target out. Here is a review of all the past COP meetings and outcomes. It is hard to find any resources to compare previous agreements with achievements. Below is from the UN. The reason I remain doubtful and sceptical is that the decision of 1.5 degrees is framed. We are optimising for a goal. In this case, we do not want to increase our global temperature beyond 1.5 degrees. Have you ever tried to heat water and stop the heating process such that a temperature target was reached. Critically you only have one go. Try it. Fill a pan with ice and set a target, say 38.4 degrees, use a thermometer and switch off the pan when you think the final temperature will be your target. Did you manage to get within 1.5 degrees of your target?