How tired do you get as a parent of saying “Two wrongs don’t make a right”. “Just because Jimmy hit you doesn’t mean you have to hit him back”. “The lesser of two evils is……. evil”.
Well, I was reading an article from New Scientist today outlining how China has come forward and stated that their carbon emissions could double over the next ten years – In no way does this sound like a good idea. However, it was not that admission that got me going. As a developing nation China is exempt from the Kyoto protocol’s emissions capping scheme. Their emissions are (per capita) much less than the USA’s so maybe they have a point when they say that the current climate concerns over carbon levels are our (western world’s) doing and that they (China and other developing nations) should be cut some slack.
I agree to a certain point that if we western countries had “pulled our finger out” sooner and backed solar, wind and clean coal technology ten or more years ago we would have been able to offer China cleaner solutions for their energy needs. The fact that we didn’t is not surprising – it’s human nature to put things off and only look towards the short term. That is what wins (our) votes. What I don’t agree with is that just because we stuffed up; developing nations should adopt a strategy of “it’s your fault, don’t stop us growing” and turn a blind eye to what is a global problem.
The fact that China is publishing these emissions results is great. I applaud the steps taken and hope that the western world can support developing nations through their growth phase. After all two wrongs don’t make a right…..
Just because Jimmy hit you……
