Even Australia Endorses Continuing Climate Discussions - But Not US

[hatrack]

The United States found itself isolated Wednesday as other countries, including ally Australia, backed the early start of negotiations for deeper cuts in greenhouse gases, the fossil-fuel pollution blamed for global warming. Ministers and other representatives from 189 countries and entities are meeting in Montreal this week to debate the shape of the Kyoto Protocol after the UN climate pact's present commitments expire in 2012.

Stalwart Australia broke ranks with the United States to endorse a Canadian proposal for countries to hold talks over the next two years to find ways of curbing greenhouse-gas emissions. "The reality is that we can only make meaningful global greenhouse gas reductions if effective action is taken by all the major emitting countries," Australian Environment Minister Ian Campbell said.

EDIT

Even so, the United States voiced its objections to the proposal and defended its argument that smart technology and a voluntary approach, rather than emissions caps and regulations, would fend off climate change. "It is our belief that progress cannot be made through these formalised discussions," Paula Dobriansky, US Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs told a press conference. "We believe that the best approach and the best way forward is one that takes into account diversified approaches and differing opinions. One size does not fit all."

Washington's political isolation was highlighted in remarks by other leaders. European Commissioner for the Environment Stavros Dimas pointedly said the European Union would "continue to talk to our American partners and remind them of their commitments." "In Gleneagles and at the UN Summit in September, President Bush expressed his commitment to use this meeting here in Montreal to move forward global discussions on future action on climate change," Dimas said.

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http://www.terradaily.com/2005/051208000216.5e6kfyva.html

[RethugAssKicker]

1. The SOB Bush Cabal must be terminated

[phantom power]

2. Quick! Somebody warn them of the hideous danger of discussions!

Or they might end up in negotiations!

(I apologize, I just can't get over that one)