G-8 and Climate Change: Published on 10 June 2007

Today, as I was preparing a response as part of preparations for COP-13 (Global Climate Change Conference), the G-8 Summit ended with a passive note. US again declined to agree for setting targets to reduce Green House Gases.

But the heads of G-8 said that they were able to persuade US to start negotiating targets, which will come into force in 2012 when the present Kyoto Protocol expires. And Mr. Bush plans to organize a meeting with top 15 polluting nations to negotiate targets.

First of all, I don't understand why US have to take lead in negotiating after 2012. By that time, US will have already loose its power in the international politics. The world was able to handle climate change issue successfully with out US until now. Many industrialized countries have significantly controlled their emission levels with out US leadership. So why do we want US now?

Secondly, Mr. Bush is going and Mr. Brown is coming and the global political scenario will not be the same as of now.

Emerging economies like India and China will actively take leadership in these global negotiations. There will be much more ethical and rational political will.

in the coming days. So the world need not waste time in convincing Mr. Bush that Climate Change issue is very important for the future of mankind.