President Obama and Xi Jinping, President of China, recently signed an agreement to reduce carbon emissions by 26-28 percent before 2025. This agreement is the culmination of months of discussions regarding the environment. The announcement states that global climate change is “the most serious threat facing humanity,” which requires “the two sides to work together.” The position which Obama has taken is commendable.

However, until any action is taken, these are no more than words.

The consequences of not taking action to stop global climate change would be severe. Temperatures will continue to increase, and our oceans to rise in acidity, destroying ecosystems and devastating populations.

After the most recent elections, Republicans have taken control of the House and Congress, making any action to reduce our impact on the environment more difficult. In fact, a few of the newly voted in Senators are outright climate deniers, and a majority support oil and coal industries.

In the agreement, the two countries promise to improve cooperation on the use of other energy sources in order to reduce emissions from coal. Many Republicans, however, are supporters of the coal industry. Shelley Moore Capito, in particular, has voted against renewable energy sources. Mitch McConnell, who represents the third-largest producer of coal, has recently declared that he will “go to war with (Obama)” over coal.

There is a possible split in the Democrats as well. The latest vote on the Keystone pipeline saw some Democratic representatives vote to approve it.

In the past, Obama has introduced executive orders in order to curb carbon emissions. However, with a Republican-led Senate, legislation reversing that order can be passed. This Senate is already known for not being able to accomplish anything; now it appears as if one can expect more of the same.

The US has entered into several international environmental agreements in the past; the U.S.-Mexico border agreement includes passages agreeing to reduce emissions in that area. Reports by the EPA show that emissions have reduced since 2005; however, atmospheric CO2 levels are still rising.

While any action taken now will not see immediate effects, we must do all we can now to keep CO2 levels from further increasing. The agreement Obama made is a nice start, but words will not stop climate change.