Perhaps the outside perspective will enable us to arrive at a common viewpoint. This week in Washington, the George Bush administration confirmed to European Union representatives, including Environment Commissioner Margot Wallstrom, that the United States has, indeed, changed its mind about the Kyoto global warming agreement. The overwhelming weight of scientific opinion agrees global warming is a major problem. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently concluded that the impact is likely to be greater than previously feared. Some uncertainties remain about exactly how the process is working, but we have more than enough evidence to convince us to act swiftly.
Industrialized nations have a clear responsibility to lead the way in reducing greenhouse gases.
The richest fifth of the world's population is responsible for nearly 60 per cent of CO2 emissions. Our standard of living, and our ability to act, can hardly be compared with the developing countries. More rain will fall in areas already prone to flooding, less rain in areas already hit by drought. Food and water supplies are at risk. The climate is already changing, and action is needed now to reduce CO2 emissions.