U.S. backtracks on (Arctic) climate change proposals

[Newsjock]

From the weekly newspaper in Iqaluit, Nunavut -- a northern perspective on global warming
http://nunatsiaq.com/news/nunavut/40206_11.html

February 6, 2004
U.S. backtracks on climate change proposals

Arctic Council stymied in recommending policy revisions

JANE GEORGE

The United States has changed its mind about supporting any policy recommendations from the Arctic Council on how to curb climate change in the Arctic.

"Climate change is not an issue on which all governments see eye to eye, and you don't have a document printed up from within the council framework ... that is not the way international work is done," said an uneasy senior official in Washington, D.C. who was willing to comment on the promise on anonymity.

... The council's permanent participants are disturbed by this development because it's a detour from the original plan. The Barrow Declaration, adopted by the ministers of the Arctic Council's member states when they met in Alaska in October 2000, states these policy recommendations would be released next November at their meeting in Iceland.

... The U.S. statement was distributed at a policy planning meeting on a plain sheet of paper that had no identifying logo.

more

[hatrack]

1. Well, it would have been an international agreement of sorts, right?

And as well all know, DC just doesn't DO that kind of thing anymore . . .

[Dogmudgeon]

2. Whoopsie! Too late!

The "climate flip-flop" has already started.

Looks like the Inuit -- the "Esky-moes" in Bush-speak -- will have to find someplace else to live.

In about ten years, Palm Springs should have the climate of Nunavut. With lots more leggy blondes, too.

--bkl

[gristy]

4. Very good article.

Thanks for the link. I wonder if one did a poll, how many people in the world know about the "thermohaline circulation" and what might happen if it fails. My guess is that even 1% of the developed world might be an overestimate. Well, the other 99% are going to find out soon enough. Nothing like direct experience to make one a believer.

[MasonJar]

3. Let's have a Democrat in office by the November meeting. n/t

[OutlawCorporatePolls]

5. santa's gonna be pissed.

oh boy, its all about to hit the fan. u dont piss off santa.