a (negative) force for (absolutely no) change

The G8* is working on a statement about climate change that would be released at the upcoming summit in Germany next month. Some of the elements in the draft paper include commitments to try to limit the rise in global temperatures to 2 degrees celsius (3.6 F), to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over half by 2050 (50% reduction from 1990 levels), and an acknowledgment that the UN is the appropriate place to deal with this global issue.

And the de facto Bush Administration is trying to delete all of the above. Oh, and it also is trying to scratch language that recognizes that dealing with climate change is an imperative, not a choice.

So, in case you needed reminding, this Administration remains pigheaded and shortsighted. Rather than risk an economic hit (which need not be great -- after all, research and development of new energy sources and new conservation measures open up new opportunities, too) or ask the American public to consider driving a slightly less massive and fuel-hoggish SUV, the Big Oil Administration is blocking meaningful action. And it isn't clear that we can afford such a delay.

*a group of seven democracies (US, Japan, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Canada (hey, how'd they get in there?)) and one dictatorship (Russia) that get together every year to discuss Big Issues.