Russia, being the maverick she is, is refusing to cap its greenhouse gas emissions. Isn’t that the most glorious news? But, seriously, Russia is really refusing to cap its greenhouse gas emissions. Ummm …
I mean, the world puts up with a lot of ridiculous bs when it comes to Russia. We allow her to think she is part of the G-8. We try to treat her like any other First World “Democracy”. We console her as she cries watching her old “allies” defect from the East and realign themselves with Europe, NATO and the US. We try to treat Russia as if it were on an equal playing field with the rest of the industrialized world. And everyone knows its a load of bull.
But the world cannot continue to play into Russia’s distorted self-image and allow the country to blow off initiatives to combat global warming.
We stand back as the country curbs free speech and intimidates and kills its journalists.
We look away as their leader consolidates power through thuggery and manipulation, as the government gobbles up industry and media - silencing any opposition through violence and imprisonment.
We remain neutral as the Kremlin conducts assassination attempts on its whistle blowing defectors in London.
We watch on casually as she threatens her neighbors (allies of the US) with war and expels foreign diplomats and makes trade deals with our enemies.
And we raise no flags when Russia bullies Europe by threatening to cut off its oil supply.
This can be tolerated no longer. Russia needs to be brought in line. As one of the most polluted places on earth, with 100+ acre “dead zones” due to industrial waste and mismanagement, Russia’s environmental policy effects us all.
The carbon and other greenhouse gases which Russia spews with abandon is breathed by everyone all over the planet - especially in the northern hemisphere. Their air is our air and vice versa. Get it?
Russia needs to fall in step with the rest of the civilized world and take steps to reduce her carbon emissions
Otherwise, we need to stop pretending that Russia is a friend, an ally, a legitimate power or a dominate player on the world stage. We need to stop pretending that Putin’s Russia is nothing more than an authoritarian state in capitalist drag. Bad capitalist drag.
Opec says to expect oil to hit $200/barrel. Currently it’s around $120.
Keep in mind that despite the rise at the gas pump everyone around the country has noticed - that price increase does not fully reflect the increase in oil prices. Our gas is heavily subsidized, effectively keeping us addicted to the stuff while the price at the pump is allowed to slowly creep up.
But, these magic tricks at masking the true price of oil are going to go up in smoke as prices for everything else that requires oil skyrockets. Food, cars, trucks, airplanes, goods and building materials. We can’t subsidize everything.
I think it is way past time to start effectively investing in alternative energy sources. And I believe it’s going to take independent entrepreneurs without any assistance from Washington to lead the way.
An addict has to hit rock bottom before he sees the light and changes his proverbial ways. We haven’t come close to hitting rock bottom with oil prices. And we need to admit that we are addicted. Addicted-addicted. So, expect things to get worse.
Turns out Russia doesn’t have an endless supply of oil after all. Better halt construction on Moscow’s countless multi-million dollar condos which are popping up all over the city like weeds.
Pain at the pump much? I suppose I don’t have to spell out to everyone why this news sucks the big one. Hmmm. What to do when the oil runs dry? … Calling Al Gore
On a more positive note: I guess this means there is no reason to invade Russia.