AP--Forty-five nations call for a new environmental body...perhaps with policing powers

[PhilipShore]

(AP) -- Forty-five nations answered France's call for a new environmental body to slow inevitable global warming and protect the planet, perhaps with policing powers to punish violators.


February 4, 2007

http://www.physorg.com/news89800476.html

Absent were the world's heavyweight polluter, the United States, and booming nations on the same path as the U.S. - China and India.

The charge led by French President Jacques Chirac came a day after the release of an authoritative - and disturbingly grim - scientific report in Paris that said global warming is "very likely" caused by mankind and that climate change will continue for centuries even if heat-trapping gases are reduced. It was the strongest language ever used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, whose last report was issued in 2001.

Despite the report's dire outlook, most scientists say the worst disasters - huge sea level rises and the most catastrophic storms and droughts - may be avoided if strong action is taken soon.

In his call to action at a French-sponsored environment conference on Saturday, Chirac said, "It is our responsibility. The future of humanity demands it."

[BayCityProgressive]

1. Considering Chirac is a conservative

in France...it is sad that he is further to the left than most of our Democrats.

[Lorien]

2. From what my European friends have told me

there aren't many parties in the EU who are anywhere near as conservative as our Democrats. They consider America to be a country without a "left wing".

I sure hope that Chirac and others can unite the world's most powerful nations on this. Time has pretty much run out, but we still need to make every effort possible....

[bread_and_roses]

5. We are. When I see people called "hard left" here I ROFL (n/t)

[PSPS]

3. This is kind of like an idea I read about: A policing body that represents future generations

Their sole charge would be to represent future generations and try to insure that there is both a habitable planet and sufficient resources to survive. They would, by proxy, give future generations a strong voice in the decisions of today. It's an intriguing idea that has merit.

[zonkers]

4. And lets add an Ocean Protection Police Force to their jurisdiction.

[Vidar]

6. One more reason why I put my hope in the EU & Latin America.