Globalization Makes Addressing Climate Change Easier (Ouest, France)
"The formula
remains far from resolved. Yet at the dawn of this new century, it appears that
the globalization of trade and information will inevitably lead to the finding of
common solutions. Common sense would dictate that both should be focused on
reducing inequality and repairing ecosystems. This is the ambition of the Paris
summit, which will highlight the most virtuous examples - those who create
wealth while preserving the planet - and regulate others who threaten humanity. …
For President Holland, this will likely be his only opportunity to restore color
to a quite monochrome five years in office."
Copenhagen's mermaid is still crying about the failure of
the 2009 Climate Summit. Men and their inability to agree on the basics is a
never-ending disappointment to her.
Since then, emissions of greenhouse gases have continued to
reach record highs, the earth has warmed and the sea level has risen,
threatening inhabited areas in the short term. In a huge wave of reports, the
scientific community had warned world leaders about the consequences of climate
change, and their hypotheses have come to pass. Climate change is happening
right now.
Storms, rainfall, flooding ... the violent phenomena
observed in recent years have become the tragic allies of those with a planetary
awareness. They have shaken the beliefs of those in places like China and the
United States who worship development at the expense of future generations. And
where consciences have failed, the visible effects of pollution and the pharaonic
costs that have resulted from natural disasters have altered views.
It is in this somewhat new spirit that the climate summit organized
by the U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was held in
New York. Although no law emerged from the meeting of heads of state, it marked
the opening of a grand ballroom of world diplomacy, the finale of which will be
held in Paris in 2015.
The last-chance
conference
France has committed to hosting this last-chance conference
with as its delicate objective, the signing of a
binding agreement for countries to reduce their CO2 emissions. She can in no
way fail, or will risk thoroughly discrediting action already taken by world
leaders on behalf of the planet.
Posted By Worldmeets.US
In New York, and in Lima in December, the commitments and
claims of leaders must be put on the table. Even if they reach a fairly
widely-shared view, the means of accomplishing anything are far from certain.
Finding compromises while relaying demands and moderating positions: French
diplomacy will have to elbow in and oil the wheels.
Not offending the major fossil fuel
producers, listening to the demands of developing countries that don't want to
pay for the excesses of the great powers of the North, finding a way to
perpetually feed the scrawny little Green fund meant to assist the poorest
countries onto the path of sustainable development ... the formula remains far
from resolved.
Yet at the dawn of this new century, it nevertheless appears
that the globalization of trade and information will inevitably lead to the
finding of common solutions. Common sense would dictate that both should be focused
on reducing inequality and repairing ecosystems. This is the ambition of the Paris
summit, which will highlight the most virtuous examples - those who create
wealth while preserving the planet - and regulate others who threaten humanity.
If France manages to live up to this challenge, its global
stature will grow, and it will successfully develop greater expertise in this
field. For President Holland, it will likely be his only opportunity to
restore color to a quite monochrome five years in office.
