Ecology, the major political issue of the 21st century

As a critical concern of our century, ecology has become an important political issue that can best be dealt with by all the nations of the world acting in concert. Consequently, the international community regularly holds summits to address pollution and climate change, problems that have a direct impact on our planet. From November 30th to December 11th, 2015, France is honoured to host the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

An ecological event of international scope

In the interest of preserving the environment and fighting the threat of global warming, the main objective of the Conference on Climate Change is to keep global warming below 2°C. As predicted for years by the scientific community, global warming does indeed lie at the heart of various natural disasters. Melting ice and rising sea levels, the reduction of forestation, air pollution, the extinction of plant and animal species; considerable damage has been caused by mankind’s careless attitude towards the Earth we all share. COP21 will therefore raise awareness among the governments of the world and allow those in power to reflect together on the efforts required to reduce global warming. 

From industrialists to private individuals, ecological concerns should be foremost in the minds of all of us and this is probably the most important political cause of our age. COP21 will see Laurent Fabius, the current French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, become the president of this important international conference.

A rendez vous for professionals and individuals

Adopted at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the Framework Convention on Climate Change came into force in 1994 and has nearly 196 member states, accounting for just about all the world’s sovereign nations. An annual appointment for COP is fixed in the agenda of each member, and it is here that goals are set. France hosts the 21st edition with the theme of cooperation in the fight against the effects of climate change.

The Paris-Le Bourget conference centre will be the venue for this vital summit. 

Energy management is one of the topics to be discussed at COP21, along with a look at how individuals can develop as responsible world citizens and fight on a daily basis to maintain our environment. Waste, including that produced by our households, is a major source of pollution, contributing massively to global warming, so raising public awareness of the problem is paramount. While the meeting of the member states takes place, individuals can attend the Grand Palais from December 4th to 10th, 2015, where specialised conferences and side events based around the fight against pollution are scheduled to take place. Completely free and open to the public, this initiative is supported by the Club France Développement Durable, a collective of French networks driving the search for solutions to climate change. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend this hugely important event by staying at the Hotel Sophie Germain, located in the Montparnasse area of the 14th arrondissement.

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Practical information:
Exhibitions halls Le Bourget - tel: 01.40.68.22.22
RER: Line B (towards Aéroport Charles de Gaulle – Mitry Claye), station Le Bourget
Exceptionally for the duration of COP21, all trains will mark a stop in Bourget station. Hence a special shuttle bus will take you to the site of the COP 21
Metro: Line 7, station Fort d’Aubervilliers. Hence a special shuttle bus will take you to the site of the COP 21
Bus : n°152, starting station of line 7 of the metro porte de la Villette - station parc des expositions du Bourget
or n°350 from the station gare de l’Est (east railway station) or gare du Nord (north railway station) or station porte de la Chapelle (line 12 of metro) - station parc des expositions du Bourget

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Picture copyright holder: cop21.gouv.fr - Photos CAPA Entreprises

Hotel Sophie Germain, a charming 3* hotel on the left bank of Paris