Here’s a headline from today’s Greenwire (subscription required):
CLIMATE: U.S. will ‘lead the way’ on emission curbs — Clinton
In opening remarks to the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, Clinton called climate change a “clear and present danger to our world” and told environment ministers from the world’s 17 largest economies that the Obama administration is “fully engaged in negotiations toward a global emissions treaty.”
“I assure you that the United States will work tirelessly toward a successful outcome of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations,” Clinton said.
The story closed with what had to be delivered in studied deadpan, “Kevin Curtis, deputy director of the Pew Environment Group, issued a statement hailing the talks as a “much needed momentum boost” to climate change talks.”
I recall writing something for NRO years back revealing the obsession with recycling among Kyoto-friendly headline writers and reporters, along the lines of “World reaches historic climate pact. Again. But not really”.
Flashing back a little more than 11 years ago, here’s what Secretary of State Clinton’s husband had to say (1998 SOTU address):
This past December, America led the world to reach a historic agreement, committing our Nation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through market forces, new technologies, energy efficiency.
We have it in our power to act right here, right now. I propose $6 billion in tax cuts and research and development to encourage innovation, renewable energy, fuel-efficient cars, energy-efficient homes.
Every time we have acted to heal our environment, pessimists told us it would hurt the economy. Well, today our economy is the strongest in a generation. And our environment is the cleanest in a generation. We have always found a way to clean the environment and grow the economy at the same time. And when it comes to global warming, we will do it again.
You know what? Sure global emissions continued going up, if more slowly here than, I dunno, say . . . Europe . . . and much faster elsewhere than anyone ever imagined. But, disregarding the “settled science” of climate models, the planet did begin cooling mere months later. The ultimate triumph of soft power!
A little before that, Pres. Clinton had said:
Next, we must meet a very large environmental challenge in the next three months. We will work toward a worldwide climate change treaty this December in Kyoto that protects the environment even as it promotes global growth by committing the nations that sign on to it to specific, clear guidelines in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. . . .
Now, this will be a very controversial debate. And there will be people who say, President Clinton has spent five years killing himself to revitalize the American economy and now he’s going to take it down overnight be committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in America. . . .
We can grow this economy and do right by the environment. I think you believe that, and I need you to help me convince the American people that it can be done.
So, the song remains the same, except for the billions more we just spent for those technologies that, apparently, are still sitting on the shelf. (Ever get the feeling that politicians aren’t being straight with you on these marvelous technologies that are always just over the horizon? Just wondering). They’re right next to the 200 mpg carburetor I’ve heard is also being stymied by the industrial-government complex.