The Climate of Change

In our last post we pointed out the unintended climate change mitigative impact of the international economic crisis. But the economic crisis more strongly portends an adverse effect on the climate change process is the stronger portend.

As the crisis deepens and spreads wider into the advanced nations of the European Union, climate change concerns are taking a back seat. In fact, it seems that protectionism is the order of the day. Just a few years ago globalization and open borders were touted as the order of the day, but those days now seem gone. The knee jerk reaction of governments to this global recession has been to tighten borders and revive protectionist policies. With this attitude prevailing, it is hard to see how nations will come together and put global interests ahead of national ones to formulate an equitable, effective and efficient international climate change treaty as the successor to the currently applicable Kyoto Treaty which will expire in 2012.

Fortunately, the Obama government recognizes and realizes the importance and need for having an international climate change treaty which is essential for not only conserving our environment but also for reviving and boosting the green economy, clean technology and renewable energy.

It is hoped that USA and Western European countries put aside their national interests and join hands with the developing world and give birth to a fair, consensual treaty in the next round of negotiations. While the developing world stands to be the most affected by the adverse impacts of climate change, the developed world is not immune to the effects of global warming. Thus they need to take the lead in finding a solution which is inclusive, participatory and just.