STAFF EDIT: A global plight

For better or for worse, the United States has been a leading nation for decades ‘- not only in terms of technology and commerce, however, but also in pollution. The most consumptive nation is also, consequently, the most wasteful and one of the most environmentally destructive. But last weekend at a conference in Singapore, President Obama downplayed the responsibility for the huge environmental burden emitted by the country he leads, and decided along with the other leaders at the conference that a major collaborative plan for combating global climate change would have to wait. After his years of campaigning and months of presidential speeches preaching his commitment to mending the global crisis and the importance of the Copenhagen talks, Obama has to some extent taken a step backward, leaving onlookers wondering how much longer this problem can feasibly be shirked before it gets too far-gone.

There are certain things that should surpass political protocol ‘- certain things are not simply ‘foreign policy’ matters, and certain things should not be considered too risky to unite over. The foremost of these issues is global climate change ‘- it’s truly a global problem, one instigated by every country in the world, and one that should be remedied by every country in the world. The corruption of the environment is an urgent problem that transcends all boundaries ‘- the gaping hole in the Ozone layer, after all, doesn’t ride party lines. For Obama to decide to put it off ‘- especially after touting all this time that the environment was among his top priorities as not only a national but also an international face of leadership ‘- makes him look far less change-oriented.

Without Obama heading full force into this project, many countries may see no reason to rally either, rendering the fight against global climate change decidedly waitlisted. Truly, it isn’t a problem that can be solved overnight, and few people expect miracles to suddenly emanate from a room full of world leaders talking about the environment. But it takes a village, and it takes a few steps, to get the ball rolling. The initial agreement that the earth is in trouble, and that a worldwide effort needs to be made, is a small but extremely necessary commitment to make. Americans expected their president to be the crusader in this fight ‘- they expected, at least, a departure from the regime that preceded him ‘- but he is falling short. Though determining a comprehensive solution was largely unexpected from the December conference, some sort of politically binding commitment, particularly from the U.S., isn’t too much too ask. Obama has made some considerable domestic efforts to change the way the U.S. affects the environment, however, no significant strides can be made without a global effort set in motion. Hopefully the international issue will not be shirked for long.