Yesterday representatives from 16 different countries met in Washington D.C. to start work on a UN initiative to limit the effects of greenhouse gases on our environment. The countries represented produce about 75% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. The Obama admisinstration requested this meeting about month ago and other big greenhouse gas contributors like China and India agreed to attend.

The meeting was not meant to produce specific agreements but rather foster relationships between all interests so that an agreement can be reached at later meetings. These and other countries will meet in Copenhagen in December to review and revise the Kyoto Protocol. The Bush administration did not support the Kyoto Protocol siting the fact that it would be too harsh on the American economy and developing countries.

The good news is that the Obama administration is positioning themselves as a world leader on these issues. After the meeting U.S. Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, offered “Climate change is a clear and present danger to our world that demands immediate attention.” 

There are going to be some very complex issues to deal with for the delegates in Copenhagen but the future of ouir planet could rest in their hands. The interests of developing conuntries as  well as those that are established can conflict. Economics will have to considered. But with the necessary changes will come economic opportunity. The challenge will be to strike the balance shares the opportunities and apportions the burdens equitably.