by Yadav Sharma Bajagai
In 2009, the United Nations climate change
conference was held in Copenhagen, Denmark. There was a widespread hope to the
world community about the conference that it would bring a significant policy
and commitment to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. But, the conference
couldn’t make a consensus decision and thus the accord of the conference was
not passed unanimously. The seeds of the debate seem to be sown in
Kyoto protocol in which principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities”
has been initiated. According to this principle developed and industrialised
countries which led the industrial revolution are responsible for most of the
greenhouse gases now in the atmosphere and therefore should bear a greater
responsibility for combating climate change. As a consequence of this principle
in Kyoto protocol some large developing nations such as China and India were
exempted from the same emissions-reductions obligations as developed countries.
Developing countries want rich countries to take bold
action to cut their greenhouse emission but developed countries like USA are
seemed to be reluctant as it would affect their economy. Furthermore, the
developed nations want the same level of commitment and action from high
emitting developing nations like China and India but the developing nations led
by China and India still oppose taking on mandatory obligations to reduce their
emissions. This debate of ‘who is responsible and who should take action’
distracting the world leader from the real problem.
Similarly, the political leaders and authorities
in developed nations are facing a two way pressure in this issue. On one hand,
warnings from the scientific community are becoming more prominent about
dangers from the ongoing accumulation of anthropogenic greenhouse gases
produced mainly by the burning of fossil fuels and on the other hand they are
bound to maintain their economic growth rate in this era of economic
globalization and competition. This background debate about the technological,
economic and political issues about climate change has a significant impact on
resolving this problem and seems quite complicated demanding urgent attention
from political leaders of all concerned nations to begin a common effort for
sustainable future.
Look, it is true that the world is going in cycles, so is the human perception. Whatever have been regretted in some societies is being pursued by another, the right to self harm in order to reach a failed destination is our problem. Now how can we pass on the message that happiness is not in the material resources but being in harmony with nature is key.
ReplyDeleteDeveloped societies of West and North-need to regret, repent and share ideas and resources. Ego and Pride is deemed to doom.
Developing societies of East and South-need to go back and redesign the road map to prosperity while heding to the experience of been there societies. Greed and selfishness is bound to fail.
Content and harmonious societies should be the goal.
I agree with you. This is the issue of life and death for some countries but issue of economic growth for some others. I think developed nations should be more responsible for this and sincerely should decide something concrete.
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