Steps towards saving the planet gather momentum
The IPCC Climate Report has really ushered in a flurry of activity, the epicentres of which seem to be at two points - UK and Bangkok.
The Blair Government seems to be really serious about doing its bit for the climate. And someone has to light the torch soon, or it would be too late. Amidst reports that the Arctic ice is melting at a rate faster than what was predicted, we have a cheerful news of Prince Charles addressing a press conference of some 1000 industry delegates and issuing a MAYDAY call with regards to climate. He pointed out the seriousness of the situation and asked the industry to take pro-active, concrete measures to reduce carbon emissions. He also suggested that the British Government provide additional incentives (apart from those offered by Kyoto Protocol) to encourage businesses to take affirmative action on climate change.
At Bangkok, meanwhile, the last leg of the IPCC research is on boards. 400 scientists from 120 countries will meet and discuss over a week, the future course of action regarding climate change. This final and third IPCC report, to be released on the 4th of May, will detail the ways to tackle climate change while taking into account the effects on the economy.
And that is when the real battle for Earth would start...
4 comments:
The February issue of Nature, carries a dissection of the IPCC report. While the authour clearly agrees with the IPCC findings, the holes in the report are clearer.
Morever, Global warming is depicted as a problem that might become large in coming years, it is certainly no crisis, according to the report.
While I am all for the 'a stitch in time...' philosophy, I doubt economics works that way.
if businesses dont employ green technology now, later on the losses would probably be higher. if we dont develop cheap, green technologies now and market them effectively it would be too late 30 years hence.
Look at the success of CFL lamps, or solar powered equipments in recent times. Media publicity on global warming and frequent power-cuts has led quite a few people to atleast review that option, bringing big players into the field (eg: Tata in India) and bringing down the prices of solar equipments and spreading their geographical reach.
Almost every car company is now geting into hydrogen powered cars, nokia and motorola are also tryin for solar powered cell-phones, Apple and Google are making their campuses more climate-friendly....there are also management programs that focus on business strategies for climate change era!...all this wouldnt be possible if work as if a crisis is a long way off...
Economics can work that way if it is a necesity....and even churn profits...it just needs willing, optimistic people....
May 9, 2007 11:19 PM
(quote)The Blair Government seems to be really serious about doing its bit for the climate. And someone has to light the torch soon, or it would be too late (end quote)
Lighting a torch will lead to emissions of greenhouse gases! LOL! :)
NASH
The IPCC Report aims to create unrest in the Bureaucracy because that is the only way scientific progress can be ensured. Without adequate funding from governments, no country can hope to achieve breakthroughs in alternate energy sources. That is why, it is essential that all countries get rid of the ceiling on oil prices.
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