Leaving out India and China
Leaving out India and China
No trade winds at G-8
Nor did the summit produce the anticipated froideur between Vladimir Putin and his counterparts.
Where the summit shifted things was on the subject of climate change. True, even a surface interpretation reveals that this is a deal with more holes than a golf course. But at last the US signalled its willingness to work within a UN framework and to consider emissions targets.
Climate change unchallenged
All that Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper, for instance, could say was that "we have produced a very good document after some very animated discussion". Except for Merkel, G-8 chiefs want to steer clear of discussing quantitative targets. At this rate, the successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol, which is due to expire in 2012, does not inspire confidence.
India and China should take the lead in persuading the US and the EU to set aside 10% of their defence budgets for another form of security expenditure—one that protects mankind from possible extinction.
India should take the lead
If the G-8 failed to break major new ground, official India’s stance on, and approach to, climate change can be seen to bring up the rear in the international arena of debate and action. As one of the five ascendant economies engaged by the G-8, India has a great responsibility to root its national policy in science and in a progressive and ethical vision of the future of the planet.
But any real progress towards halving emissions by mid-century from an appropriate base year (as Germany proposed) now depends on further discussions in the UN.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!