Comments on: Behind the scenes in Copenhagen: historic COP out http://hot-topic.co.nz/behind-the-scenes-in-copenhagen-historic-cop-out/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=behind-the-scenes-in-copenhagen-historic-cop-out Global warming and the future of New Zealand Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:00:53 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc By: Bruce Hamilton http://hot-topic.co.nz/behind-the-scenes-in-copenhagen-historic-cop-out/comment-page-1/#comment-9267 Bruce Hamilton Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:14:24 +0000 http://hot-topic.co.nz/?p=3757#comment-9267 Sadly, the outcome was foreseen by many - mainly because the discussion paths during the two preceeding years were diverging, rather than converging. Also, this was meeting of politicians and their lackeys, so "sensible and rational" outcomes were improbable. It's very unlikely that climate science can provide sufficient undisputed clarity to be the pathfinder. However, a significant portion of research money should now focus on emissions mitigation and future transport options, rather than measurement. We should also focus on education and incentives for wise use of energy. The Oxfam concept of additionally taxing ( levy! ) maritine and aviation fuels to fund some global programmes will harm all NZ bulk product exports. We need to assume that adverse perceptions about long-distance global trade will grow, and NZ also needs to review future options for exported bulk products ( minerals, primary produce etc.), do we process here, or make commercial transport more efficient?. Lots to do, and plenty of opportunities for innovative thought and actions. Start now and avoid the rush... Sadly, the outcome was foreseen by many – mainly because the discussion paths during the two preceeding years were diverging, rather than converging. Also, this was meeting of politicians and their lackeys, so “sensible and rational” outcomes were improbable.

It’s very unlikely that climate science can provide sufficient undisputed clarity to be the pathfinder. However, a significant portion of research money should now focus on emissions mitigation and future transport options, rather than measurement. We should also focus on education and incentives for wise use of energy.

The Oxfam concept of additionally taxing ( levy! ) maritine and aviation fuels to fund some global programmes will harm all NZ bulk product exports.

We need to assume that adverse perceptions about long-distance global trade will grow, and NZ also needs to review future options for exported bulk products ( minerals, primary produce etc.), do we process here, or make commercial transport more efficient?.

Lots to do, and plenty of opportunities for innovative thought and actions. Start now and avoid the rush…

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]]> By: madjack http://hot-topic.co.nz/behind-the-scenes-in-copenhagen-historic-cop-out/comment-page-1/#comment-9264 madjack Sat, 19 Dec 2009 12:04:32 +0000 http://hot-topic.co.nz/?p=3757#comment-9264 My own feeling about Copenhagen is that we're probably going to see many more years of these kinds of negotiations (perhaps 5 to 10 years?) before necessary limits are reached and set in policy. I suspect many of the developed nations are hoping the alternative energy market will spin up in the coming years and deliver more attractive alternatives to making difficult and unpopular cuts to energy consumption right now. In the meantime, it'll be the poorest who get it in the neck. In terms of undeniable human impact, perhaps India and more specifically, the Ganges and its reliance on glacier melt will be something of a first 'canary in the coalmine'? My own feeling about Copenhagen is that we’re probably going to see many more years of these kinds of negotiations (perhaps 5 to 10 years?) before necessary limits are reached and set in policy. I suspect many of the developed nations are hoping the alternative energy market will spin up in the coming years and deliver more attractive alternatives to making difficult and unpopular cuts to energy consumption right now.

In the meantime, it’ll be the poorest who get it in the neck. In terms of undeniable human impact, perhaps India and more specifically, the Ganges and its reliance on glacier melt will be something of a first ‘canary in the coalmine’?

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