Emission Targets Set at Helsinki Summit (AP)

[Eugene]

Emission Targets Set at Helsinki Summit

By AOIFE WHITE
The Associated Press
Monday, September 11, 2006; 9:47 AM

HELSINKI, Finland -- European and Asian leaders pledged Monday
to set new carbon dioxide emissions targets that go beyond those
now set for 2012 under the U.N.'s Kyoto Protocol. But they set
no firm targets now, bowing to Asian reluctance to do so.

The two regions, with a total population of 2.4 billion, are
major energy consumers. With Asia's energy demand soaring _
pushing up oil prices _ Europe is eager to promote renewable
energies and energy efficient technologies to cut overall
consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

"We are determined to respond to climate change through
international cooperation," the 25 EU and 13 Asian leaders said
in a joint declaration. They set no targets but each side
pledged to do its best, a setback for the Europeans who had
hoped for tougher action by their Asian counterparts, notably
China.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/11/AR2006091100346.html

[Teaser]

1. we have to face the inevitable at this point

human beings will never be able to master the kind of thinking needed to deal with this crisis. Our evolution does not predispose us to it.

[soothsayer]

2. Eh, we're survivors so far. I think we'll make it.

[Teaser]

3. we'll make it...

in that our species will continue to exist...but it won't be pretty.