What about the big events (Bali and the energy bill)?
12-29-07, 09:32 PM
#26
Sophomoric Member
Thread Starter
The point of the Bali conference was to lay the groundwork for future talks that will take us beyond Kyoto. That much was accomplished, thanks to the patience the rest of the world has shown in regards to the US. Al Gore also gave a fine speech that persuaded many that more progress will be possible after the regime change in the US in January 09.
Those North Americans who are screaming at India and China should remember that Americans are BY FAR the largest greenhouse emitters on a per capita basis, and always will be if things continue on their present course. If we lead them and help them, the developing world will follow us in reducing emissions. If we don't lead, they rightfully say we are expecting ever more sacrifice from the poor, but we're unwilling to give up even the smallest part of our riches.
The transportation bill said little about bicycles and other forms of alternative transportation. It did set new CAFE standards of 35 mpg and set goals for production of ethanol and other biofuels. Is this just lip service, or is it a baby step in the right direction?
Those North Americans who are screaming at India and China should remember that Americans are BY FAR the largest greenhouse emitters on a per capita basis, and always will be if things continue on their present course. If we lead them and help them, the developing world will follow us in reducing emissions. If we don't lead, they rightfully say we are expecting ever more sacrifice from the poor, but we're unwilling to give up even the smallest part of our riches.
The transportation bill said little about bicycles and other forms of alternative transportation. It did set new CAFE standards of 35 mpg and set goals for production of ethanol and other biofuels. Is this just lip service, or is it a baby step in the right direction?
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12-29-07, 11:08 PM
#27
In the right lane
Still, there are a lot of positive signs emerging from US states, cities, individual citizens and ... yes... Al Gore. 2007 was a real watershed year in that regard.
What we need is to have the federal government on board.
12-29-07, 11:27 PM
#28
Sophomoric Member
Thread Starter
Very difficult to imagine it could be otherwise when a large portion of the US population is still in denial about the basic facts of climate change.
Still, there are a lot of positive signs emerging from US states, cities, individual citizens and ... yes... Al Gore. 2007 was a real watershed year in that regard.
What we need is to have the federal government on board.
Still, there are a lot of positive signs emerging from US states, cities, individual citizens and ... yes... Al Gore. 2007 was a real watershed year in that regard.
What we need is to have the federal government on board.
But I'll go you one further. We need to get ALL the governments of the world on board, or at least most of them. This is our first and greatest opportunity to learn how to act together for the good of all people and all living things.
I think you're right that 2007 was a good year with a lot of positive signs. An important next step is to just plain ignore those ignorant few people who stupidly insist that there's "nothing to it." The science does prove the reality of anthropogenic warming. Period. End of discussion. Time to move on and leave the idiotic doubters in the dustbin.
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"Think Outside the Cage"
