Self-Destruction In An Oven

Climate change has been debated for nearly three decades now, and has even seen a name change from global warming to its current and more aptly title "climate change." We are more increasingly witnessing this effect on our home each day and each year. Record snowfalls on the east coast, cold spells throughout 49 of our 50 states, and oddly more than usual rainfall in our current region, the Valley of the Sun. Climate change has been hotly contested and discussed, and unfortunately no unified action has occured. The initial development of Kyoto sounded great with ideas of national policies combatting greenhouse gases, transnational emissions trading schemes, and joint venture programs through nations.

One good thing that stems from this is the progress that the European Union has made. Fifteen of the EU's current 25 Annex I countries have less than half emissions per capita than the United States. More inspiring the EU has lowered their 1990 levels, something to drawn from.

I somewhat chuckle to myself when I see the arguements, stagnance, and complanceny of our role within climate change nationally. Several legislators vow to represent their constituents' interests in climate change, however cannot come to a consensus to take action properly. Ironically, local governments are leading the nation by example by having nearly 1,000 city mayors signing on to the ideas of the Kyoto Protocol. More energy efficient methods are being adopted locally, while the constant parlimentary arguements flood our nation's legislative chambers. The traditional fight of economic sacrifice versus environmental maintenance, management, and preservation. We do not all need to be living in trees, eating tofu, or cut off from the grid, however a comprehensive and unified approach among national government, private business, and citizens is imperative finding a common consensus in the balance between the two. All the while, our globe is heating up, altering our normal climates, and causing other problems including economic distress.