Kyoto?Guess Bush does'nt speek that language!

One Small Step

Yesterday, the world took a small step toward combating climate change. The Kyoto Protocol entered into force with the largest emitter of greenhouse gases -- the United States -- refusing to participate. The BUSH Administration pulled out of the Kyoto process shortly after entering office, saying that it would hurt the economy. According to that logic, climate change's impacts on public health and agriculture -- not to mention coastal areas being hit by rising seas and more frequent powerful storms -- will help the economy. We don't think so. And neither does the insurance industry, who expects losses tied to climate change in the hundreds of billions in the next decade alone. The "hurting the economy" statement also is a disservice to the know-how, innovative spirit, and expertise of the American people to confront the climate change challenge.
For those looking for a silver bullet to the problem, Kyoto certainly isn't it -- but it is a first step in the right direction. Never before have 141 nations came together, pledging to reduce emissions that contribute to global warming. Kyoto provides a framework of international action to address the problem. Back home, the White House defends their inaction by saying "We are still learning about the science of climate change." Unfortunately, while the Bush Administration is still learning, the rest of the world is forging ahead.