American companies will soon realize that there is money to be made from trading in carbon pollution permits and introducing cleaner technologies. Some of its members, such as Shell, already see which way the wind is blowing. The question is to what extent we are ready to set a lead, to set an example to the United States, to go unilateral. My determination is that we should go that way. We still have to press for meaningful participation by key developing nations.
China is merely a 'victim' suffering from the excesses of the industrialized elite.
Today should be remembered as the Day of the Atmosphere. Most disgraceful among these is Australia. Given the awesome combined political and economic influence wielded by firms such as Exxon, Mobil, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Texaco and Shell, it is remarkable that there was any agreement at all. It is an outcome that will protect tens of thousands of Australia jobs. The key now is to put into place effective national policies to influence the behaviour of industry and consumers.