For whatever it’s worth, the Kyoto Protocol is now in
effect, albeit without the United States, India or China
onboard.
When President Bush rejected the treaty in 2001, he cited the
failure of the plan to include developing world polluters, such as
China, as the main reason for not signing it. At the time, Bush
said signing a treaty without restrictions for developing countries
would put the United States at an economic disadvantage.
Now the world is moving forward to improve the environment, and
the United States should be part of this symbolic and meaningful
plan.
Bush was right to want to include developing nations such as
China and India in the treaty, but not because it would protect the
U.S. economy. Rather, China and India must be included because they
are the lynch pins needed to hold the ecosystem together. But it is
unrealistic of Bush to expect India and China to sign the treaty
when he refuses to lead by example.
Unless the environment becomes a major issue for politicians
““ including Bush ““ future generations will suffer. It
is up to the current global leaders to put aside their selfish
differences and make sure there is breathable air and drinkable
water.