The Great Rift
The 12th round of international climate talks since the Rio Earth Summit of 1992 were kicked off today in Nairobi. Kenyan Vice President Moody Awori opened the proceedings, telling delegates: We are all gathered this morning on behalf of mankind because we acknowledge that climate change is rapidly emerging as one of the most serious threats humanity will ever face.Well, most of the delegates acknowledge that, but the BBC reports that the meeting is likely to focus on adaptation measures for poor and especially vulnerable countries rather than establishing post-Kyoto emissions targets aimed at actually addressing the root cause of warming. The vehement opposition of the US and Australia to any such agenda makes that goal politically unrealistic.
Meanwhile, atmospheric CO2 concentrations have reached a new high of nearly 380 ppm and show no signs of slowing.
2 Comments:
The Kyoto Agreement isn't a solve all or even a fair agreement. It leaves out Indis, and China, two countries that has more emmissions then any other country. Even Canada is backing off of the Kyoto Agreement. It would just hurt American industries, which which employees people and hurt the economics of the country, while others go as normal. Unless all joins, United States shouldn't. Common sense should prevail, few people in the Sierra Club use that!
No one ever said Kyoto would solve everything, but, if fully implemented, it's a meaningful step in the right direction -- one that can and would be improved upon going forward.
Common sense, since you brought it up, says you have to start somewhere. And if you can't get the US and Australia on board, then good luck with China and India. The 'fairness' argument is on their side, I'm afraid.
By the way, the US is still well ahead in terms of total greenhouse gas emissions and has been for decades. China will no doubt surpass us someday, but they're not there yet.
Regarding the economy, carbon restrictions will doubtless hurt some sectors of the economy, but it's liable to create whole new sectors as well. Forward-looking industries would get ahead of the curve instead of just fighting change tooth and nail. The smart money realizes that change (and increased regulation) is coming and try to find the opportunities therein.
Just look at the success of Japanese hybrid cars as an example. Ford and GM could have championed that technology, but instead they chose to bet on low gas prices forever and an endless appetite for SUVs.
Reducing greenhouse gases can, in one sense, be seen as increasing efficiencies and reducing waste. Isn't that what businesses are supposed to strive for anyway?
And finally, if you want to talk about costs, well, consider the cost of doing nothing.
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