America is Failing the World Again!

Why does America consistently fail to meet global demands and expectations. Once again they fall short of providing an example for nations across the globe. A 17% cut in emissions appears to be a ground breaking step forward for America and to some extent it is. Under the Bush Administartion global warming was barely acknowledge as even existing. High profile Republicans, such as Sarah Palin still denies the fact humans have contributed to climate change. So in pledging America to cuts, Obama has done more than any previous Administration ever did. However, why is America practically the only major developed nation to pledge emissions cuts, not on 1990 levels, as is generally the accepted standard, but on 2005 levels instead. The US's emissions rose 15% in the period from 1990-2005 so effectively Obama is pledging a mere 2% cut in relation to the majority of other developed nations. Once again America fails us all. How do we expect developing nations to agree to significant cuts in emissions if the major force in global politics fails to lead by example.

We all know that America is driven by money, so lets look at this issue in terms of economics rather than the environment. There are huge economic gains that can be realised in pursuing a low-carbon economy. Industry develops and grows over time. The manufacturering of wind turbines and solar sells is already a massive global industry. When will America realise the economic benefits in becoming global leaders in these markets of the future. If they don't wake up soon to the reality of change then they will be left to the pages of history, just as other great states of the past, such as Ancient Greece and Rome were.