The Global Issues Jun. 2013 | Page 3

Your Thoughts

Tell us what you think! Send your

reviews to [email protected]

Taking The Lead"

Today's "leading" nations have to stop leading us towards our own demise and start leading the cause for changing our world. They are responsible for the greenhouse gases that remain in the atmosphere for many decades, and rich countries have been industrializing and emitting climate changing pollution for many more centuries than the poor countries.

Big Polluters

The biggest example of a greenhouse gas emitting, powerhouse is the United States. This country alone contributed about 30% of the greenhouse gases in our atmosphere between 1850 and 2012. That's about 51 billion tons of carbon! At one time, we began to take notice and made attempts at emission reduction by having the UN create a waste reduction protocol. Countries are starting to care less and are opting out of the protocol.

Responsible

So, developed nations have a responsibility to start lowering their emissions and help developing nations avoid developing along carbon intensive pathways. It is not fair to everyone if a few destroy what is meant for all.