[Coral-List] Copenhagen-flop

Steve Mussman sealab at earthlink.net
Sun Aug 30 15:48:21 EDT 2009


Much of the discussion relating to climate change on Coral List 
seems to be centered on the lingering debate between skeptics and
AGW believers and discussions on what actions might be best suited
to mitigate the impact of rising temperatures and CO2 levels.

 The upcoming Copenhagen conference has seemingly moved beyond 
the initial point of contention, (sorry, Gene), as it has become 
virtually universally recognized that the world must reduce carbon 
emissions or face unacceptable risks that would likely come 
from the current climate regime.

Why then are the prospects for a comprehensive treaty likely to remain evasive?

 As always, a global problem of this magnitude has no easy or 
simple solutions. Even now, with an administration in Washington
that signals a clear change in policy direction, the chances for 
a breakthrough agreement in Copenhagen seem unlikely.

 For starters, there are other pressing priorities like national security
and economic stability that understandably,(at least at present),
may supersede the issue of climate change. One can also gain perspective 
by examining the difficulties encountered by other attempts at promoting 
international cooperation on issues like nuclear proliferation and global trade.
    
 However, it remains incumbent upon you, the scientific community in this country
and around the world, to persist on promoting an agenda that emphasizes 
the significance of this issue as compared to other challenges.

The mindset of the citizenry of the world must be shifted somewhat 
from the allure of unbridled consumption to an awareness that
increasingly values preservation, conservation and the development
of alternative energy sources. Consider that ultimately,
unless we come to this realization, the potential global impact could
represent a threat as great as any ever encountered.           
          
Warm (AGW) Regards,
Steve Mussman
Sea Lab Diving



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