Discussing the heat<\/p>\n
Representatives of science, business, government and
\nenvironment groups have gathered in Kyoto, Japan, to promote
\nconflicting theories and interests and yet somehow contribute to
\na reduction in the so-called greenhouse gases.<\/p>\n
Scientists have varying theories, representatives of
\nindustry and developed nations have statements on how much or how
\nlittle they are prepared to do, and green groups on how much they
\nshould do.<\/p>\n
When Indonesian business interests set their country's forests
\nalight, they chose to point the finger at El Nio and wonder how
\nanybody could have the effrontery to criticize them. Industry
\nsays it must meet its obligations to contribute to the economy
\nand to keep people in work before it can protect the environment,
\nwhich sustains more people than profits.<\/p>\n
Similarly, politicians know that the environment has made
\nitself a priority issue. The biggest challenge of all might be
\none in which politicians have to put the hard word on the big
\nbusiness interests that wield colossal influence nowadays.<\/p>\n
Global warming is for most the most part blamed on the burning
\nof fossil fuels that keep our factories and utilities working,
\nour houses and offices warmed or cooled, and our transport
\nsystems running.<\/p>\n
To an extent, the battle lines have already been drawn, with
\nthe United States, the main source of greenhouse gases, offering
\nmerely to stabilize, and not reduce, emissions. Being a
\ndemocratic kind of gathering, all are to be heard, even the
\nlobbyists from oil and motor giants whose vision does not extent
\nbeyond the balance sheet.<\/p>\n
Already, developing nations such as China and India have
\nrejected suggestions from the U.S. that they cut their emissions.
\nIt would be reasonable for developing countries to express
\nconsternation when told that they cannot get rich the way the
\ndeveloped countries got rich.<\/p>\n
The task is enormous and the goal a long way off. But
\nrepresentatives of 160 nations are gathered under one roof and
\nthat is a sign of recognition that Nature does not negotiate.<\/p>\n
-- Bangkok Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/discussing-the-heat-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }