The 21^st session of the Conference of Parties (COP21) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) ended on a positive note as the participating member states agreed on a new climate change agreement.

The main goal of the Paris conference was to achieve a global agreement to keep global warming below the critical threshold of 2°C of warming. In a significant move, the member states agreed to limit global warming to under 1.5°C of pre-industrial levels

With the planet already warming up at a rapid pace, achieving this goal requires the commitment of both developed and developing countries. Therefore, the Paris discussions also focused closely on national commitments to reduce greenhouse gases. In addition, discussions also focused on the role of larger economies and the developed states in supporting the sustainable development efforts of the poorer and more vulnerable countries.

You can of course learn more about the Paris climate agreement here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35092127

Yet, while world leaders and environmental experts deliberated in Paris, what’s in this conference for you?

The effects of climate change are felt all over the world. Extreme heat wave, droughts and floods continue to impact lives and livelihoods across the world. Rising sea levels are seriously impacting the lives of coastal residents, with the poorest communities expected to be the most hard hit.

As we set to mark the beginning of yet another New Year, why not make a new commitment to do our bit for the planet – to help preserve it not just for us, but also for the future generations?

Here’s what we plan to do at CoirGreen:

We’ve made a conscious effort to go-green this season.

We’ve asked our employees to make a ‘green’ wish-list (we’re not asking for much here, this wish-list can include even the simplest, like reusing grocery bags!).

We’ve sticking up ‘green-tips’ across our office space, and once again, they are as simple as ‘switching off lights at the end of the day’.

Next year, we plan to share more information about environment-friendly living through our blog, because we believe that the more we know about how our actions impact the planet, the more we are willing to act!