In the last few days disturbing stories have started appearing in the press. If we're to believe all we read, the last chance to prevent catastrophic climate change is about to be squandered. In other words, we're doomed.
This is because commentators are pessimistic about the chances of a deal at the United Nations climate change talks to be held in Copenhagen next month. According to one report, the British government has ruled out the possibility of a treaty this year. A great shame, if true.
Some environmental campaigners have reacted by upping the pressure on the politicians, using stunts and petitions. 'Do not fail us in our time of need', the people seem to be crying, but their representatives seem as deaf as ever. Set against the enormity of the crisis facing us (runaway global warming could, after all, mean the end of civilisation within a century or two) the politicians' slow responses and weak excuses do suggest a systemic failure to respond to a long term existential threat.
But how much of a disaster will it be if the Copenhagen talks fail? Are they our last chance to save the planet, as Gordon Brown suggested? UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called such a failure "morally inexcuasable, economically short-sighted and politically unwise." Perhaps so, but will it really make such a big difference if the deal is delayed by a year or two?
The UN talks will continue in 2010 at a new venue, Mexico City. In a year's time the Earth will probably be a little warmer and there will certainly be more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The situation will be more grave, the remedies will need to be more radical, but if we can fix things now we can probably still fix things in a year.
That is, if we resolve to keep up the pressure and not believe our own misjudged hype that it's 'Copenhagen or bust' and fall into despair. Indeed, there is good reason to hope we may get a better deal in 2010 or 2011.
One of the issues facing negotiators is the broken patent system. Rich-world corporations own environmental patents and are set to profit from a deal which would lease green technologies to the Third World on a massive scale. Under such a deal, vast sums will flow from American, European and Japanese taxpayers to Third World governments before returning to American, European and Japanese corporations. Yet, according to one expert, many of these patents are not valid. Good news for the taxpayer; bad news for business. Now it's up to governments to decide whether they work for people or corporations. Anyone wanna bet which they'll choose?
As we grow old fighting for a global deal to make our children and grandchildren proud of us, let's not forget that useful change can be made at a national, local and even personal level. We've all seen useful lists like 101 Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint, but perhaps we can do much more if we help our politicians deliver headlines like these:
All homes to have solar water heaters.
In a bid to reduce consumption of the nation's dwindling supply of natural gas, the government said it will force home-sellers to install solar water heaters to all properties before putting them on the market. The legislation will affect both house-builders and those selling existing properties, with exceptions applying to...
Aviation fuel to be taxed in line with auto fuel.
Air ticket prices look set to double thanks to the government's new aviation fuel tax. Once it has been phased in over a year-long period, the tax will equal that paid by consumers at roadside gas stations. "In lieu of a global agreement we've been forced to act unilaterally," said the transport minister. "We will use the revenue raised to improve rail services. We are adamant travellers should not suffer." The move was welcomed by...
First 'refill store' to open in town centre.
The town will be getting its first 'refill store' next month. The innovative venture, which gained a thumbs up from the mayor, will see consumers bringing in their own glass or plastic bottles to be filled with anything from organic orange juice and free-range milk to bleach and biodegradable washing up liquid, all at a knock-down price. Bought by the ounce or millilitre, products...
Military to stand down half of force.
The country's military is to halved with further cuts likely, according to the government. Soldiers will receive retraining, but "in the end it's better they sit at home than waste resources play-fighting," the defence minister admitted. "With the social, economic and environmental threats we face we can ill-afford a large armed force." Some army lands are to be forested, while others will be used to grow food or generate electricity from the wind. Redundant military vehicles...
Freeways to be turned over to 'land trains'.
Private vehicles travelling between the Capital and the Port will soon be limited to three of six lanes to allow space for 'land trains' hauled by juggernauts. Each double-decker 'train' will contain seating for 400 passengers and emit less CO2 per person than a 50CC motorcycle. Those still determined to drive will face a rigidly enforced speed limit of 90kph (56mph), set to maximise energy efficiency. Fines of up to....
Waste collection to be bi-weekly.
The municipality has announced that from next month the bins will be emptied only every other week. The effect on residents of the reduced service will be softened by an enhanced recycling collection scheme, the council leader said. The measure is expected to cut costs and pressure on landfill sites. Local environmentalist expressed the hope that it may lead consumers to think carefully about the amount of packaging surrounding their purchases. Refuse collectors...
Back to reality! Unfortunately, the above are all fiction, but they could happen – and could already have happened – somewhere near you. None would need a technological or political revolution, just a change in priorities. Whether or not the Copenhagen talks fail, I believe we'll need to read headlines like these if we're to stop civilisation from stepping over the abyss.
Fossil Fuel
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