And they are best placed, both economically and technologically, to move ahead with their own reductions and with assistance for the developing world. To abandon this process now would set back the global climate strategy for many years. At the same time, even as we look to the industrialised countries to take the lead, developing countries themselves can do more. First, they can make sure that environmental issues are fully integrated into mainstream economic and social policy. Second, companies and entrepreneurs in developing countries should explore the new business opportunities that changes in climate policy will make available.
Green technologies offer some of the brightest business opportunities of the new century.
Finally, developing countries should consider their own contributions to the global climate strategy. Developing countries will be doing themselves no favours if they, too, pursue a path of industrialisation which before long proves unsustainable. Sustainable development will not happen of its own accord. We need a break with the harmful practices of the past and a break in the political stalemate that prevails on too many environmental issues. There is some good news to report.