As many present and former college students can attest, great decisions are usually not made in Cancun, Mexico. After backing out of the Kyoto Treaty in 2001, the United States has signed onto the Cancun Agreements. First off, no truth that they signed it at two in the morning after four hours at Senor Frogs’ shooters night or any confirmation on how the U.S. faired in the coveted United Nations’ wet t-shirt contest. The treaty will reduce the carbon emissions of developing nations while not curbing the carbon emissions of developed countries (the United States) or major developing economies (China, India).
Environmental preservation and security is an issue that is taken into account by the U.S. military establishment. Climate change is no longer only conversation fodder for restless co-eds and crunchy, organic commune devotees. Heads of state from around the world are building consensus that something must be done to curb the erosion of natural habitats and preserve hospitable living conditions. Climate change is all too real to the Russians who suffered through stifling air conditions and Pakistani flood victims.
The treaty calls for several things, the funding of alternative energy projects to developing nations in order for their emerging economies not to use fossil fuels as they develop. It has a measurement system to protect rain forests by calculating their carbon value. The treaty will not stop the average temperature of the Earth from rising. It does not require the world’s leading polluters to reduce their production of greenhouse gases.
Until the United States, along with China and India, decide to lead instead of paying off developing nations not to pollute, substantial change will not be made. Bribing smaller nations and communities to not follow their economic development examples will not resolve the issue. No matter your affiliation, whether it is wealthy financier or idealistic intern, tea-party or tree-hugger, Republican or Democrat climate change is an issue of import. Not only is it environmentally responsible, it has become a global security issue. Leadership is needed, domestic changes in all developed economies must be implemented and then ask others to follow. Like most spring break attendees, the United States has left Cancun without accomplishing anything it would be proud to tell its parents.
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