Question:
The world's first climate treaty recently took effect. This treaty requires
that all developed countries submit their national plans for reducing
emissions of carbon dioxide to 1990 levels by the year 2000. What do you
think countries should be required to do next and beyond the year 2000?
Replies:
I think it would be a good idea to require countries to carry out their action
plans. Right now they are only required to submit their plans, not to
actually do anything that might reduce air pollution. It is hard to think of
how countries might be persuaded to do this, since it is hard to persuade
countries from attacking their neighbors. I think your generation may be able
to answer this question, but it will take a long time and lots of hard work.
I would encourage you to get a copy of the proceedings of the 1992 UNEP
summit, read it, and keep up to date on further bulletins issued by the United
Nations Environmental Programme.
If, after you know what people are suggesting the world should do next, you
find that they are missing the point or not taking effective action, you can
start writing and speaking and actively participating in the process.
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