Well GEE thanks – ‘Commander in Chief’!

I have permitted only one commentary posting on the White House Blog.us since its inception. All other postings have been a mirror of the Official site in order that the US population may have their comments posted. It is my hope that these are being considered by the staff of the White House keeping up with the mirror blog here.

However I feel in the best interests of the democracy we cherish, the following analysis and commentary is needed.

Well GEE thanks – ‘Commander in Chief’!

Well to say that I’m underwhelmed with the grandiose offer to reduce it’s greenhouse gas emissions in the “range of 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020,” according to the White House official statement, and that Obama will grace the Copenhagen Climate Change conference with his presence for a day on December 9th en route to Oslo, where he will accept the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10th is an understatement!

The world is facing the biggest challenge in human history. The Science is in and so is the politicking. Fundamentally we have no further time to attend endless conferences to chat casually about the fate of humanity on the planet.

Let’s just look at what has been offered as an in the range (very iffy) figure of 17%.

7,181.4 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2e) in 2005 were emitted by the United States, so if indeed that figure were adopted even if it does get by the Senate; by 2020, 5,960.5 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2e) is suggested.

Trouble is that the WORLD all the science and all discussions of any credibility are talking about the worlds need to establish emissions reductions targets on levels of 1990.

So let’s look at that!

In 1990 the United States was responsible for emissions of 6,146.7 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2e) which is 1,034.7 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2e) below the levels set in 2005.

In essence the United States is offering to reduce its emissions by 186.2 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2e). So how should this be viewed by all other Countries?

I guess that as a 20% producer of climate changing emissions 186.2 million metric tonnes is a very attractive offer and should really rally all other developed and developing Countries to talk seriously in Copenhagen.

I sincerely hope you have a pleasant day In Copenhagen on December 9th President Obama and that you are warmly greeted. Enjoy the Nobel Peace Prize dinner!

Source of emissions data Energy Information Administration / Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the United States

ftp://ftp.eia.doe.gov/pub/oiaf/1605/cdrom/pdf/ggrpt/057306.pdf