On November 30th, the United Nations will convene for the 21st annual Climate Change Conference (UNCCC). In the past, these conferences have produced specific directives, or protocols, with the ultimate aim of stabilising greenhouse gas production to prevent serious interference with the Earth’s climate systems. Many of these protocols have been composed of guidelines for change, or legal framework for future guidelines – rather than legal limitations or regulations. Understandably, producing an agreement that holds every country in the UN legally accountable for its carbon footprint is a difficult endeavour. However, that is exactly what the UN intends to achieve with this years conference.

According to the conference’s organising committee, the objective of the 2015 conference is to reach a legally binding and universal agreement relating to climate regulation, via limitation of emissions to sustainable levels. This is without a doubt a huge undertaking; however one which is equally proportionate to the gravitas of the threat which climate change poses to the planet.

Before the conference begins, each member country must submit its national contribution review, outlining the steps it intends to take to meet the proposed targets. These targets will not be reached simply by enforcing limitations for the traditional ‘big offenders’ (i.e. large manufacturing companies and power stations). Instead, they will be reached by educating societies about the importance of climate change awareness, in order to encourage changes in attitudes that will lead to reduced emissions from every source. The recent surge in value placed on green credentials by businesses is just one demonstration of how nationwide attitudes are changing, as consumers recognise the importance of environmental awareness and the difference their choices can make with regards to climate change.