by: Dr. Eban Goodstein
Do rich countries have an obligation to reduce their emissions dramatically regardless of immediate participation by developing nations? Should the United States wait for commitment from new large polluters such as China before agreeing to large-scale emissions cuts?
Submitted by Maryl Kunkel on Mon, 02/02/2009 – 11:12.
What do we gain by waiting?
I think that every country is obligated to reduce their emissions, regardless of whether they are considered developed or developing. The United States should not wait for the commitment from new large polluters, because that sets a tone of hesitation, or doubt on our part. Our government can not hesitate to take action. Per capita the United States is of the largest emitters of green house gasses, which means that we have a large role to play in facing and combating climate change.
Besides, how can leading in renewable technologies and training workers in green jobs be a bad thing? What do we gain by waiting?
