When the Sudan doesn't treat its population humanely or respect their rights, it doesn't impact our ability to treat people humanely. Sudan's human rights records is an issue that effects the people of Sudan.
China's emissions on the other hand can easily undermine any theoretical benefit from something like the Kyoto treaty. Not only because China's use of fossil fuels is growing, but because if you raise costs in countries that do accept limits, that just drives more manufacturing to countries that don't accept the limits and their associated costs. Its not just that China's increases may overwhelm the decreases in other countries (although that's true as well) its that other countries decline can indirectly lead to an even greater increase in countries like China.
First of all, China and the US are neck and neck when it comes to emissions.........we are the two worst polluters in the world. So frankly, Tim, I don't give a flying fukk what China does. We have a problem here. Anything we do to clean up our act is likely to benefit the US.
Secondly, you fear that the US will lose manufacturing jobs to other countries if we cut down on emissions. [Notice the operative word "fear"........I will come back to it later.] That's a common concern when political entities face the costs involved in cleaning up environmental issues. However, in almost every case when a community, state or country has cleaned up an environmental concern, they have benefited long term. The classic example is Cleveland......once called "the mistake on the lake", Cleveland's waterfront was one of the most polluted in the country. In fact, one of the feeding tributaries, the Cuyahoga, caught on fire. After cleaning up the waterfront, that area of Cleveland has become one of its more prosperous neighborhoods......with new shops, new apartments and new commercial structures. The Cleveland industry that adapted to the new environmental laws are also prospering.
Another example is Costa Rica. Instead of cutting down its rain forest for farm land like other countries are doing, it cleaned up many of the environmental hazards threatening their forests. The result: Costa Rica is making a ton of money off the tourist trade as tourists come to see the flora and fauna in a pristine rain forest.
Finally, lets address your need to use fear when making your claims. Fear and paranoia are heavily present in much of what you post. Its getting very old. Fear is what got us into Iraq. Fear is what keeps the American defense industry growing and growing. Fear is what kept the Cold War going for decades. Fear is what causes racial and ethnic tensions and divisions. I am sick of fear and I wish you would stop using it as a hammer to make your point. |
