In February 2005, the Kyoto Accords was ratified by 141 countries. America did not sign the agreement. The Accords specify that the countries reduce heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions to levels 7% below those of 1990 by 2012.
President Bush declined to sign because of a possible job loss of 5 million and a rise in energy costs. Well we got the energy rise anyway because of not seeking an alternative to oil which Kyoto encourages. Job losses? Indeed we lost the opportunity to create millions of jobs in pursuing cutting edge research and products to implement those protocols.
Fortunately local politicians throughout America are not as dense as "What me Worry?" Bush. Mayor Greg Nickels of Seattle, Wa. has led a national campaign to follow the Kyoto directives. He has been joined by 130 mayors ( republicans & democrats) in 35 states which includes 30 million residents. From adopting hybrid transit systems, wind power, reduction of diesel emmisions by catalytic convertors, reduced idling of ships and trucks and simply raising the issues and making it public policy are all positive steps.
Relevance. One word that is key to a politicians's future. Our national government has lost relevance to a lot of us. Whether it be policies of education, foreign policy objectives, immigration, and cost of government. Local and state goals should take the lead.
Local solutions stop national problems.
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