Last December at COP21, the UN Climate Change Conference, an agreement that will possibly change the future of our world was adopted.

The Paris Agreement is ambitious and gives hope to the people and helps ensure the future of the younger generation – and the coming generations who have not even contributed to the current problem of climate change.

But signing this ambitious agreement isn’t enough to solve the issue of climate change. Every local community, including mine in the Philippines, must benefit from it. It is not enough to simply sign the agreement without reflecting on the big responsibility that comes with it.

Must do more

Governments must do more on disaster mitigation and climate change adaptation, and should ensure that there will be enough money to pay for all this.

In every disaster, children are the most vulnerable. It was great to know that the rights of children and youth were recognised in part of the agreement, but disappointing that human rights was taken out of the rest of the document.

Signing this ambitious agreement isn’t enough to solve the issue of climate change.

Because of climatic-related disasters, the rights of people are being deprived, especially those who are already suffering as a result of climate change.

While there is a lot to celebrate for the success of COP21 in Paris, our quest to solve the rapid rise of carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere has only just begun. More actions need to be done and more funds need to be committed.

Looking forward

Every five years, nations have to assess their progress. I believe this is a great idea so that we can have updates on how countries are getting on. The commitment made during the climate talks is something that can really have an impact on the next generation.

Because of COP21, countries who seemed to care less before have shown great interest in protecting our environment. One of the best examples here is China, who signed the Kyoto Protocol, but only now have promised to cut emission from coal power plants. This is a great sign of unity and cooperation between countries.

I salute the leaders for being brave in agreeing to minimise their carbon emissions. It takes a lot of courage to make a decision that would have an effect on a country’s economy. This historic agreement must be the start of a better, happier world. Now, it’s important for our leaders to know that what we need, beyond the climate talks in Paris, is real action.