Alternative energy sources

Not everybody may be aware of the 4th United Nations Climate Change Conference unfolding here this month. The main aim is to line up the world behind implementing last year's Kyoto Agreement, which commits countries to reducing their 1990 toxic gas emissions (especially carbon dioxide) by the very precise figure of 5.2 percent by the year 2010.

Opinions on this differ, as might be fully expected from a conclave drawing 3,000 to 4,000 people from 174 countries. Underdeveloped countries blame the more industrialized and would like to make them pay while industrial leaders argue that exempting the least developed countries would only encourage industries to migrate to them. Perhaps environmental zeal should simply focus on seeking alternative sources of energy to fossil fuels.

-- The Buenos Aires Herald