COP21: Don't listen to what they say, watch what they do.

(Baonghean.vn) - Within the framework of the 21st Conference of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) held in France, national leaders expressed their determination and affirmed their commitment to combating climate change with ambitious ideas. However, there is a considerable gap between commitment and action, as disagreements within and between countries still exist.

Ambitious ideas…

One of the key initiatives jointly launched by the Presidents of the United States and France, the Prime Minister of India, and American billionaire Bill Gates is the "Innovation Mission," aimed at improving technology in clean energy production.

In addition, the United States, France, India, and 17 other countries have pledged to double the $10 billion they are jointly investing in clean energy research and development over the next five years.

The goal of the solar energy alliance is to bring this energy source into life in a way that is cheaper, more reliable, and more climate-friendly. Photo: Reuters

The Solar Alliance was also established at the initiative of India. This alliance comprises 121 countries aiming to increase solar energy production and promote its use as an alternative to fossil fuels worldwide. The alliance has declared a commitment to mobilizing $1 trillion in investment in solar energy projects by 2030.

These are practical initiatives in the context of strong condemnation of fossil fuels, especially coal. From being hailed as a miraculous energy source or "black gold" that helped Europe carry out the industrial revolution for two centuries, coal is now classified as a "dirty" energy source, contributing to global climate change.

France and India announce the formation of a solar energy alliance. Photo: Reuters

…Difficult to achieve

Although leaders present idealistic figures, there is a significant gap between these "illusory" numbers and reality.

In 2009, wealthy nations pledged to provide $30 billion in funding between 2010 and 2012, increasing to $100 billion per year starting in 2020. This was seen as "compensation" because wealthy nations are the primary contributors to climate change.

However, as of June this year, only 30 countries had contributed approximately $10.2 billion, just one-third of the amount they initially pledged. In a context where even major economies like the US, China, and Europe are struggling with economic growth, and many are facing financial difficulties, raising money for environmental projects is by no means simple.

French President François Hollande with leaders from other countries at COP21. Photo: AP

Furthermore, disagreements and conflicts exist within countries themselves. The United States is a prime example. President Barack Obama's efforts to put America at the forefront of the fight against climate change have been consistently hampered by lawmakers, primarily from the Republican Party.

Most recently, on December 1st, the US House of Representatives passed two resolutions saying "No" to regulations related to greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. This move came as the White House leader had just given a speech at COP21 acknowledging America's responsibility for rising global temperatures.

It's not just the US; smaller economies are also facing a similar dilemma. In recent days, Belgium has faced much criticism after Prime Minister Charles Michel attended COP21 with a commitment that lacked a concrete action plan and specific goals, due to the failure of regional areas to agree on shared responsibilities after years of negotiations.

As long as disagreements persist within countries regarding shared responsibility commitments to combat climate change, it will be difficult to find common ground. In fact, at COP21, countries are at odds over setting targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius.

Many argue that the numerous initiatives and bold pronouncements about enormous sums of money are merely a way for politicians to "polish" their image. Without genuine concern for the common good and their responsibilities, all these commitments will remain empty words, unlikely to be fulfilled.

Thanh Huyen