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World Politics, Blame and the Environment
Will we see crass politics at the World Summit this week -- or real action? If past history is any measure...
by Brian Risman, Publisher, www thelawjournal co uk - 25 August 2002
Letters
From Dave Cohen, Massachusetts, United States
3 September 2002
| I am a retired aerospace engineer living in Massachusetts. |
| The US has been totally intransigent about this subject. |
| The only way out of the pollution and CO2 mess is for the world is to execute |
| a global switch to hydrogen. Fossil fuels must be abandoned in this century. |
| Hydrogen must be manufactured only from water with a renewable, reliable form |
| of free energy. That type of energy can now be produced economically from |
| wind and geothermal sources. Someday solar energy can be added, however it is |
| currently very expensive. |
| Dave Cohen |
Comments from Brian Risman: Dave, I agree with your suggestion regarding using renewable, reliable sources of energy rather than the total waste of fossil fuels.
As for the 'intransigent behaviour' of the United States, the reality is the fossil fuel industry in every country is seeking to protect their market. Of course, their view is incredibly short-sighted -- their advantage with non-renewable resources is by nature transitory. They should be focusing on their long-term survival with the renewable solutions you suggest.
I think the issue may be more one of the political impact of economic change -- layoffs, job transfers. So I think the politicians have the greater fear -- they know the day will come, but let some other government deal with the change in economic energy sources.
What do you think?
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From Anne-Marie, United States
There's always
hope. Thank you for a very clear, helpful explanation of why we do not get
anywhere.
Anne-Marie
Comments from Brian Risman: Thanks for the kind comments Anne-Marie! It is always good to hear that the article was helpful.
Unfortunately, it seems that the article is proving prophetic. The Sustainable Development summit is full of words, full of politics (on all sides), and short on any agreement regarding real plans and action.
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