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February 17, 2005
Kyoto
The Kyoto accord, which aims to reduce air pollution blamed for global warming, has finally come into force - seven years after it was agreed. It requires countries to cut emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
141 countries have ratified the treaty. Of the major developed countries only Australia and the US, the world's top polluter, have not signed up to the treaty. The US says the changes would be too costly to introduce and that the agreement is flawed. But even there, there is increasing discussion of environmental concerns, and pressure for cleaner technology.
It is only a first step, and there is a long way to go before many of the countries who have signed the accord will even achieve the limited goals set out. But it is good that some progress is being made. Failure to act would typically have worst consequences for Africa and the developing world.
Scientific opinion now seems overwhelmingly and increasingly convinced of the negative impact of human activity on the environment and climate. A Christian attitude to the environment embraces care for and stewardship of God's creation, as well as concern for the poor and vunerable most affected by its abuse. Unrestrained pursuit of prosperity seems both unbiblical in nature, and unsustainable in its consequences. Appropriate responses are going to be difficult to work out, but must be tackled.
For the latest information, and good discussion of the issues, the BBC has many good links.
Posted by Keith at February 17, 2005 10:06 AM
