Where is the U.S. in the global warming?

Question

Hello, everybody. I'm a brazilian guy and I'm still learning how to speak (to write, in this case) English. So, please, don't care if you find an error here. My question is: the United States, for being one of the most powerful country in the world, is also one of the most poluing one. In Kyoto Protocol, the U.S.' government didn't signed it because it would affect the country's bussiness. In my opinion, the life in Earth is much more important than money. What do you think about this situation? What do you think that must be done to change all this? Give me your opinions.

Answer 1

eat more cows

Answer 2

You have a fair point, but I must point out that human nature and our (personal) survival instincts are telling us to do what is best for us right now.

That is why people are unwilling to make sacrifices in their own (personal) quality of life - where the effects would be felt and noticed immediately - as opposed to doing things that will ultimately benefit the whole world, including those of the terrorists and various other people who may be discriminated against in general.

Taking actions that will have a global effect in the long term is also leaning towards improving the quality of life for the future generations. The benefits of doing this will not be seen, felt, nor noticed until many years into the future.

Because of this delay between the actions and the fact that a large proportion of the poulation will not live to see the benefits of reversing the effects of global warming, it is understandably an issue that won't feature high on their list of priorities.

And lets face it. If you are at gunpoint (USA could be considered to have 'terrorism' and various other crime 'pointing the gun' at the country), your first thoughts aren't going to be "oh, that guy is about to try and kill me but he has left the light switched on in that room with nobody in it"

Answer 3

Your English is very good! And your question is very interesting.

I am unsure of my position on global warming. I don't see it as a problem that has a clear solution, but as a potential problem that may force us to make some painful trade-offs to stop the most harmful effects.

For example, at what point do we decide to abandon the internet because it is using too much electricity? How do we know if shutting down all television would be a better trade-off? What man-made disasters would cause us to consider such drastic actions?

This is how I think about global warming. No clear causes, no clear solutions, and only partially correct trade-offs that may or may not be necessary. A very complex scenario.

Answer 4

One of the things I love about the American people is that once they decide to do something, it gets done. We don't need "protocols" and such because we are a very independent people. Americans, of our own initiative, are seeking 'greener' ways of living. When the Americans want greener, then the market forces take over (good old capitalism!) and new technologies get developed to keep the environment clean. American politicians are also taking initiatives to help America be greener. Huckabee promises a greater independence from fossil fuels in 8 years if he is elected president.

Wouldn't it be nice if other countries that pollute terribly - China and such, would let their people take the initiative to clean up their global warming problems? My leanings against socialism and government control and towards capitalism are spilling into that statement. I believe a free people can do what they need to when they have the information they need and the freedom to do it.

Answer 5

America pollutes and the volume is proportionate to it's size and population. America pollutes far less than some countries. China for instance. Brazil is no innocent bystander either. The "Kyoto" protocol was designed to limit American business influence in Asia and not a document on restricting pollution as it reads. Asia has a long way to go in implementing pollution controls before it wags any dirty finger at the U.S.A.

Answer 6

Kyoto is and was a joke. The only people it expected to do anything were the 1st world nations. China was given a complete pass to pollute to their hearts content. I also think global warming is crap and I refuse to become a cooley just to make some environtard happy.

Answer 7

Many American people care about Global Warming but apparently the US Government is more concerned over oils

sad but true

Answer 8

I guess it is the U.S that is cutting down thousands of acres of RAIN FOREST each day in uh ummmm a Brazil?


No one has more restrictions on manufacturing than does the US. Plus they farm out most of the stuff that pollutes to other countries that do not care because we cannot do it here.

Answer 9

Your English is great!

Ok. Back to your question. Well, Global Warming happens everywhere. Mostly in the icy ice caps. like Antarctica..and yeah. The ice is melting and the ocean's level is rising.

Answer 10

I recommend you look for Michael Crichton's 'State of Fear' translated into your language, if possible, read it, and then use his footnoted references to read up on the subject.

You are being lied to, my friend. The world's climate IS changing. It always has and it always will. But political power and control of how we all will live in the future cannot be advanced by believing that the process is and always has been natural.

Answer 11

I'm nearly 60 and I've been around the world and around the corner too. There is no such thing as global warming as the politicians call it. It is just another excuse to part you from your hard earned money.As one very wise man said "We pay the politicians to tell us lies!"