G8: self-deception on energy and climate

The section of the recent G8 Camp David declaration which deals with energy and climate change can only be described as depressing. No clarion call from these nations. Instead, a confused jumble starting with an “all of the above” statement:

… we recognise the importance of meeting our energy needs from a wide variety of sources ranging from traditional fuels to renewables to other clean technologies. As we each implement our own individual energy strategies, we embrace the pursuit of an appropriate mix from all of the above in an environmentally safe, sustainable, secure, and affordable manner.

How fossil fuels can be considered environmentally safe and sustainable elements in an energy mix is not explained. But apparently this mix is somehow compatible with a low carbon economy:

We also recognise the importance of pursuing and promoting sustainable energy and low carbon policies in order to tackle the global challenge of climate change.

Continue reading “G8: self-deception on energy and climate”

India to G8: the party’s over

The [UK] Daily Telegraph‘s correspondent in India, Peter Foster, provides an interesting – but worrying – perspective on the G8 “deal

G8 climate deal: hot stuff or hot air?

Last weekend’s G8 summit in Heiligendamm was either a great success or an abject failure, depending on who you listen to. The German leader, Angela Merkel, had wanted “her