Bush to talk about climate change, though probably not understand it

The American policy on climate change has been an interesting one to date - mainly involving the entire government sticking cotton wool in their ears, singing 'na-na-na, we can't hear you,' whenever a scientist tries to talk to them, and closing their eyes to picture a majestic eagle cooing 'don't worry, everything's okay' whenever a shred of doubt begins to assert itself.

All this, however, could soon start to change. Possibly. On Wednesday, President Bush is all set to announce his new strategy on curbing the growth of greenhouse gases. Reports that the strategy is drawn in crayon and involves magical orbiting extractors remain unconfirmed.

Bush hopes, apparently, that every major nation - including developing ones - will set national goals on reducing harmful emissions. Ignoring the fact that several of us have already done this - it was called Kyoto, remember - Bush is also going to step the hypocrisy up a notch by insisting that the USA has " a realistic, intermediate goal". Or in other words "yeah, everybody, you go ahead and start. We'll catch up. Promise."

There are still dissenting voices within his own party, however. Hardline Republicans are still playing the economy card, claiming that measures taken to stop climate change or global warming would be damaging to the financial infrastructure of America.

Maybe they're right. Maybe that isn't something worth jeopardising. After all, as soon as the oceans begin to rise and flood across our cities like a juggernaut through a playgroud, stocks in scuba gear are going to skyrocket ...

Written by C J Davies on 15 Apr 2008 11:09 PM. Permalink