Actually, reading these quotes possibly out of context, it makes me doubtful that China will do anything more than the US is doing. The argument posed below sounds much like the little kid who is told to go to bed for writing on the wall and turns and says "but susie is writing on the wall too, why aren't you punishing her???"
It is my personal opinion that none of the countries are going to do a whole lot if they can get away with it. Lets face it. taking on a pro-climate agenda is an altruistic "for the good of all the countries" action. It is highly susceptible to cheaters! If one country violates the rules, it can benefit greatly in the short term. We need to implement a global system of pollution trading in which all countries participate and emissions are traded in the global market. This would encourage countries to reduce emissions, and the economic incentive would be substantial, possibly having very rapid results. Maybe this is being implemented and I am not aware, if so, enlighten me! :) Otherwise, I just do not see ALL countries following the lead and I do see many dropping out here and there as the opportunities arise. On Fri, December 7, 2007 11:02 am, Rob Dietz wrote: > Check out these quotes from Su Wei, a member of the Chinese delegation at > the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Bali: > > "I just wonder whether it's fair to ask developing countries like China to > take on binding targets or mandatory targets. I think there is much room > for the United States to think whether it's possible to change (its) > lifestyle and consumption patterns in order to contribute to the > protection of the global climate." > > "China is in the process of industrialization and there is a need for > economic growth to meet the basic needs of the people and fight against > poverty." > > "China is acting. We will do what we should and what we can do. All we > care for is the well-being and the future of mankind." > > Su seems to be advocating that the U.S. and other wealthy nations stop > obsessing over economic growth (i.e., move toward a steady state economy), > and that poorer nations follow a short-term policy of growth before > stabilizing economic conditions. > > This line of thinking is right in step with the position on economic > growth being proposed in ESA. We wont see much action on abating climate > change if we dont address economic growth around the globe. > > Thanks, > Rob Dietz, Executive Director > Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy > www.steadystate.org > Malcolm L. McCallum Assistant Professor of Biology Editor Herpetological Conservation and Biology http://www.herpconbio.org [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
