This will likely be one of the most historic years in the history of climate change. In the last few years we have seen major global powers put real resources behind the idea of sustainable development. China for instance has pledged $2.5 trillion to domestic renewable energy investment over the next 15 years. Here in the US, we've seen California (our most populous state) mandate that 50% of electricity produced will come from renewable sources.

The US and China both hold great sway given that they are the two modern superpowers of the 21st century. The United States holds great sway over the America's and most of Europe. With China's substantial globalization, it has emerged as a dominant force in the East (including Asia, Africa, and Oceania). Any move these countries make environmentally is sure to be noticed, and not just because they are the largest CO2 emitters. Ahead of the COP21 climate summit in Paris, one can't help but wonder what has propelled the importance of climate change for these two countries. After all these years of inaction, what has made these two move so boldly?

Part of the motivation has been the severity with which environmental conditions have worsened in the past few years. The reality of stronger storms became ever apparent in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy's $42 billion damage to New York City and surrounding areas. In California, we've watched the state's four year drought bring its water supply to the brink of collapse. As the state has tried to conserve water by prohibiting farmers from draining the rivers, things have only worsened. The farmers have instead opted to get their water directly from the water table. Given that California farmers account for 40% of the state's water use, the effects have been absolutely devastating. In some parts of Central Valley, the land has been sinking two inches every month. Thankfully, some farmers have voluntarily cut their water usage by 25% and urban areas are mandated to cut their usage by the same amount. In July of this year, California achieved a 31% reduction of statewide water use. Although we see action more at the state level than federal, it will likely trickle up to the national stage as the public is made more aware of the threat of climate change.

What is most fascinating in our climate change saga is the change of heart that China has undergone. One of the reasons the United States never ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 was that China refused to make such an agreement, the rationale being "if they won't follow it, neither will we." The reality of industrialization has made it's consequences all too obvious to China's middle class who live predominantly in large cities. One study linked smog to the death of 1.7 million Chinese each year. This year Under The Dome, a documentary made about Chinese air pollution (with the initial support of the government) garnered over 300 million views in the week it was allowed to stay online. Due to it's desire to maintain political power, the CPC is very apprehensive about public participation in public policy issues. Another major moment in Chinese public awareness came this year when China had its largest military parade to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the defeat of Japan in WWII. Beijing ordered hundreds of manufacturers to temporarily close and banned more than 2.5 million vehicles from the streets. The results were blue skies and the air quality classified as 'very healthy'. China also holds great promise, their newest five year plan (the government's plan for the country), there have been whispers of "quality over quantity growth", "sustainable development", and other terms that lead us to believe China will continue along this path.

"This is the year humans finally got serious about saving themselves from themselves."

That is what New York Magazine said about 2015, we show tremendous potential to radically alter the destiny of our planet. One of the best things to come out of the tragedies of the Paris attacks was that we associated the reality of climate change with that of terrorism. Perhaps this will be the year we come together and prevent an unimaginable catastrophe. Their is hope, and there is time to avert this threat. The actions of our government may matter, but you can do your part too, check out this infographic to learn how you can make your home more eco friendly.