| Wet is good but too wet is bad |
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| Written by Daniel Steinmann | ||||
Page 2 of 2 The damage done to our atmosphere is not the result of bush
fires in Africa; it is the direct result of millions upon millions of cars in
the so-called First World, and the industrial activity of these nations. And
the audacity of the Bush administration to refuse to commit to the Kyoto
Protocol also leaves me with my hands in my hair.As if to make amends for his countryman's pervasive contrivance, former vice president Al Gore is currently featuring on our TVs with his "An Inconvenient Truth." I have watched this programme twice and have to admit, Mr Gore is making the most compelling case for immediate action to address global warming, of any of the advocates for moderation and remedial action. The problem with global warming is a practical one. The First World can afford much better than us to carry the damages resulting from a climate under stress but the effects of global warming do not target only the First World. It is catholic in its occurrence and all nations are affected by it in equal measure. But the developing nations will find it far more difficult to cope with and provide relief for major disasters, as is now happening with us. I know it is an outrageous political statement but given the damage done to our Earth by the First World, given their recalcitrant attitude and given the fact that we all share the same world, I think now is the time to appeal for an immediate write-off and full pardon of any and all Third World Debt. The second logical step is to coax First World countries to invest rapidly in eco-friendly industries in the developing world to earn so-called green credits. That way, it solves many problems for us, it shows a willingness on the part of the developed world to acknowledge their debt in this growing mess, and it ensures a more cautious approach in future development and application of technology. Consider this: there are many extant nuclear weapons but they are not deployed for action because everybody knows what the result will be. It is now becoming clear that destruction of the world's climate will lead to a comparable catastrophe. So what justification can there be to continue on this hazardous course and what justification can any First World leader offer for dumping the consequences on us? |
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