Tomorrow marks the beginning of the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference that will see the arrival of delegates from over 192 countries; all of which will be attempting to hash out deals to curb emissions of global warming pollutants. There is no doubt evidence exists showing environmental changes from global warming and climate change. Reduction of the polar ice caps and high levels of the ocean temperature are just a few that has been mentioned in the news lately. In addition, public health issues especially asthma and respiratory disease are linked directly to air quality. All these problems should make the next two weeks of climate change talks productive. It is a no brainer to seduce that global leaders would want what is best for the livelihood of their populace.
However, I have a feeling these talks, though conducted on the best of intentions, are destined to fail. The number one reason is money. It seems that the biggest issue being brought up by all countries is the economy. Developing countries are calling out and expecting developed countries (i.e. The United States, Great Britain, etc...) to pay for the majority of technological equipment needed to help curb their own emissions of pollutants. They are under the impression that developed countries are more to blame, despite evidence suggesting that a great deal of global warming pollutants are emitted from deforestation and clear cutting practices in developing countries.
The second reason hindering the success at Copenhagen is public perceptions. There has been polls conducted lately in the US and UK that show public concern over climate change has dropped compared to a decade ago. It appears that the public is not trusting the main stream media reports that the world is going to end if something isn't done now. What is going to happen, for example, if President Obama comes back from the talks and tells his American population that there will be a global warming tax to help developing countries pay for their own pollution? In the current economy, this is not going to be well received.
A recent BBC News article indicates that many are very optimistic about the talks which will last through Friday, December 18th. Hopefully, the delegates will walk away with a sound plan of action that will provide aid to developing nations while at the same time lowering global pollutants. There is hope that this global event, perhaps one of the most important gatherings on the century, will be a success and yield results. Unfortunately, I tend to side with a less than optimistic approach because money is still the basis any type of global dealings and I fear money will be the deciding factor at Copenhagen.
If you have a different opinion, please feel free to respond.
In our situation right now, all we can do is to hope that the talk will be successful. We can't afford not to be optimistic about it.
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