Third Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, more simply referred to as COP-3, reached agreement on emission levels. The overall targets adopted for greenhouse gas emissions by 2008-12 are an 8% cut from 1990 levels for the European Union (EU), 7% for the USA, and 6% for Japan and Canada. Australia is allowed an 8% increase, while Russia has a target of 0% (i.e. 1990 levels). Compared with the opening positions of 15% for the EU, 5% for Japan, and 0% for the USA.
At least there is a beginning to the controlling of harmful emission, but still allowing increases in some countries seems to be self-defeating. If long term measures are taken to produce a lower emission level than that of pre- 1900's, it may be a start.
Nearly all scientists are now in agreement that there really is a harmful hole in the ozone layer. The opinions are widely varied, however at to the size, effects and corrective measures to be taken. How mush harmful gas emission is too much? Shouldn't we be working to elliminate ALL such emissions? Is that even possible? In our man cenetered world, with shifting baselines and increasing depletion of natural resources, when will we change our behaviors or be forced to find another ball of dirt to consume?
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