As Copenhagen Approaches, US Congress Tables Climate Bill, IPCC Chief Doubtful

by Heidi Stevenson

23 November 2009

With the UN's Copenhagen climate change conference just two weeks away, Democratic leaders in the US Senate have tabled discussion until, as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said, "some time in the spring."

Considered by many to be the last hope for addressing global warming, the Copenhagen meeting requires that the United States take a leadership role, a role that is being abdicated by congress. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Chair, RK Pachauri, has expressed little hope that the meeting will result in a pact that will adequately address the issue.

Jairam Ramesh, the Environment Minister for India, says that his country will not accept any binding cuts on greenhouse gas emissions.

The UK talks a fine line on climate change and officially sets carbon emission standards that sound pretty decent. However, with their policies on airport expansions, building new airports, continued development of motorways, and continued use of coal, one must wonder how they're going to bring the fantasy of lowering emissions into those plans.

Back in the US, it appears that concerns over effects of cutting carbon emissions, such as possible slowing of growth, higher energy costs, or forcing changes in the American Way of Life have undermined support for a climate change bill.

Gaia Health wonders what will become of the American Way of Life as water supplies continue dry up in the west and south, some of the world's richest farmlands turn to desert, and weather extremes become the standard weather patterns.