Hot Air!
new internationalist
issue 206 - April 1990
In the last two years global warming has become a concern of politicians the world over. Countless international conferences have been held and governments everywhere acknowledge the gravity of the problem. Yet few have done anything concrete. In fact their policies often still encourage greenhouse gas emissions. Here we set the rhetoric against the reality.
Words
- Presidential candidate George Bush, August 1988
'We should not wait for all scientific uncertainties to be cleared up before action takes place. whatever global solutions to global climate change are considered, they should be as specific and cost-effective as they can possibly be.' Advert - Secretary of State, James Baker, January 1989 In March 1989 President Bush called for an international phase-out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) by the year 2000.
Deeds
Advert |
Words 'In the long term, sustainable development is the only way to live within our means without destroying the environment which gives us life... The greenhouse effect and ozone depletion are two symptoms of the deeper malaise which we must learn to cure. And we need strong medicine.' 'Emissions from petrol-driven vehicles are a major contributor to the greenhouse effect. It is vital for the health of the environment that people be awakened to the benefits of alternative fuels.' - all quotes Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer, June and July 1989 Advert
Deeds
|
Words 'We will work to cut down the use of fossil fuels, a cause of both acid rain and the greenhouse effect.' 'No issue will be more contentious than the need to control emissions of carbon dioxide... We can't just do nothing... Each country has to contribute, and those countries who are industrialized must contribute more than those who are not.'
- all quotes Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher:
Deeds
|
Words
- Foreign Minister Eduard Shevardnadze, November 1989
In January 1990, Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev called for international monitoring and control of the environment and backed suggestions for a 'Green Cross' - an international agency to respond to ecological disasters.
Deeds
|
Words 'Sustainable development requires the full co-operation of the entire international community. CO2 emissions in my country and the destruction of the Amazon are two sides of the same coin.' 'While international co-operation is crucial, environmental protection begins at home. That is why the Canadian government is fundamentally re-examining its approach to the environment.'
- all quotes Prime Minister Brian Mulroney:
June 1988; October 1989; November 1989
Deeds
|
Words - Environment Minister Graham Richardson 'The problem is that by the time the jury returns its verdict the damage to the planet may be irreversible. the time to act is now.' - Foreign Affairs Minister Gareth Evans 'There is no need to panic or over-react to the greenhouse issue. We must keep rebutting the simplistic and often self-interested assertions of those who blame coal as the main cause of the problem.'
- Federal Resources Minister Peter Cook
Deeds
|
Words - Zhang Chongxian. National Environmental Protection Agency. March 1989
Deeds
|
This article is from
the April 1990 issue
of New Internationalist.
- Discover unique global perspectives
- Support cutting-edge independent media
- Magazine delivered to your door or inbox
- Digital archive of over 500 issues
- Fund in-depth, high quality journalism