As the world gathers in Copenhagen to ponder what to do about climate change, we can take comfort in the fact that there will be no shared sacrifice. Them that has, gets. The United States has taken the lead in showing that shared sacrifice is outdated. It continues to fight wars and carry on its foreign and domestic policies while maintaining a pretense at home of social bliss. Why should the rest of the world think any different?
Glaciers are melting. Pine forests are burning. Deserts are growing. Coral reefs are dying. Giant squid are looming off our shores. Not our problem. We will leave that to future generations. We can be confident that Copenhagen will be at least as toothless as Kyoto.
No nation is willing to give up its carbon footprint. Developed nations want to stay that way. Emerging nations want what the developed nations have. And the others are just screwed.
Entrenched industries will do whatever is necessary to protect the bottom line. They have done so in the past. Nations that benefit will protect them. They are doing so now.
Until the Great Arctic War, there will be little incentive to change. Former President Bush declared the thawing Northwest Passage international waters. Canada took exception. Russia planted a flag at the North Pole. Sweden and Norway are concerned. Let the war begin.
In the meantime, like the frog in the pot on the stove, mankind will slowly warm to its detriment. Kermit, we need you.
*********************
**********************
