As we have learned through module 1 and 2 of this course, carbon emissions are a major cause of global warming.  Countries around the world, such as China and the United States, have recognized this problem and signed an agreement earlier this year to reduce carbon emissions.  However, this agreement is facing its first problem as oil prices are reaching a dramatic low of under $30 a barrel.  The problem with the cheap prices is that one of the driving factors for Americans and people around the world to turn to electric cars is the pain of paying these high prices to fill up their vehicles.  As prices decline people may not feel as strongly towards the change from their current vehicles.

Even though the prices are low, the article I have chosen to blog about titled “Climate Deal’s First Big Hurdle: Draw of Cheap Oil” from the New York Times, has a few very interesting points that I felt were very inspiring for the upcoming change of the country.  One of the valuable points is that many countries are un-phased about the drop in oil prices and are maintaining their goal of reducing emissions of their countries.  China in particular had a very interesting way of solving this problem.  They have decided to implement a new rule that no matter how low world crude oil prices may fall, the price of gasoline and diesel will continue to be set at $40 a barrel.  They will then use the extra profit from the oil consumption and place it in a special fun for energy conservation and pollution control.  I think this is a very good way of going about this problem and keeping citizens from consuming oil indiscriminately.  All in all, I think the world is on the same page and carbon emissions will continue to decline as long as countries stay true to this agreement.  It is very uplifting to see how world leaders are recognizing the implications that carbon has on climate change and are making conscious decisions for our future.

Krauss, Clifford, and Diane Cardwell. “Climate Deal’s First Big Hurdle: The Draw of Cheap Oil.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 25 Jan. 2016. Web. <http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/26/business/energy-environment/climate-deals-first-big-hurdle-the-draw-of-cheap-oil.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fscience&action=click&contentCollection=science®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=7&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=0>.