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Aw… See what you have gone and done now W, you made Knut cry again.
EcoToolBox.com relays a story from Der Spiegel about how the US is blocking language on climate change in the forthcoming G8 declaration. It remains to be seen whether the other leading industrialized nations can salvage a commitment.
According to the BBC, US negotiators have struck a clause saying “climate change is speeding up and will seriously damage our common natural environment and severely weaken (the) global economy … resolute action is urgently needed in order to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.”
The US also objected to language stating “we are deeply concerned about the latest findings confirmed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)” and a commitment to send a “clear message” on international efforts to combat global warming at the next round of UN climate talks set for December. US negotiators also want to delete the draft’s call for firm targets for improving energy efficiency in buildings and transport, as well as a call for a global carbon market.
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[...] Bottom Line: Carbon cap-and-trade is predicated upon a false assumption: that the Planet can withstand continued production of green house gas emissions at levels that previously have seem acceptable. Handing out huge blocks of emissions rights for trading by polluters seemingly allows them to continue to profit from business as usual. [...]
[...] doubt what is important to the Senate. And, the House had the same need to be seen as green, while taking care of business in every way. The Energy Bill passed handily, [...]