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Emissions from China, India and developing nations
By admin | June 1, 2007
Q. But what about China and India? They are increasing emissions all the time, so why should we make pointless sacrifices?
A. Even those developing nations which are achieving high levels of economic growth still have a much lower level of emissions, per person, than the rich countries. Countries like China, India and Brazil do have a point when they draw attention to the fact that most of the carbon that’s causing the problem up in the atmosphere right now has been produced as a result of the economic growth of today’s rich countries. Nonetheless, without a change in the way that these emerging economies develop their industry and infrastructure, there is little chance of controlling climate change.
So, we can throw up our hands and assume that there is no point in doing anything unless everyone agrees to act simultaneously, or we can lead the way and assist developing economies in treading a different path. Those of us who live in rich countries can do this individually by changing our own lifestyles, and collectively by demanding that our governments and businesses go far further to help ensure that their foreign investments and demand for imports help other countries develop in a sustainable way.
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