US Told to “Wake Up” Over Climate Change

In global talks about climate-change policy, the European Union would prefer some binding targets to reduce carbon emissions, while the United States argues that setting big goals, possibly unsustainable or unrealistic, is mere talk and a waste of time. The US would have more leverage in the global discussions if it weren't the world's largest energy consumer and carbon emitter. Standing alone against other developed countries that want to set goals and take immediate action, the US appears to make excuses so as to continue its pattern of excess. As a result, EU officials suggest that they may avoid any climate talks hosted by the US. Wealthy nations have an obligation to take quick action and set an example for the less wealthy developing nations, insists the EU environmental commissioner. In the meantime, scientific and anecdotal evidence on climate change continues to pile up, indicating major economic problems in the days ahead and adding to global anxiety. – YaleGlobal