Putting pen to paper..

The whole world just loves to blame everything on the United States, and in particular George Bush, as he leaves himself open to so much criticism. For once however, I have to agree that his failure to push for the ratifying of the Kyoto Protocol makes the US no worse than those countries that have signed the treaty.

163 countries for instance, have ratified the Kyoto Protocol, yet those countries do no more or less, than the US or Australia that have not ratified the treaty, to reduce emissions.

South Africa was one of the original signatories, yet every morning and evening I’m treated to the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets to and from work, which are only more remarkable because the pollution accentuates the colours so well. The pictures(click to enlarge) are not of low cloud cover on the western horizon, but pollution formed into lines by a slow northern breeze that blows in from Soweto and the surrounding informal settlements

The most remarkable thing about this is the fact that all these households, including the informal settlements have electricity. Yet, they continue to buy dark coal from the street to burn in drums and old coal stoves. And how does Mbeki propose to teach newspaper vendors not to burn tyres by the side of the road to keep warm at 5 in the morning?

Sign what you want, but if you don’t make a concerted effort to educate your population as to what the long-term effect of their little indiscretions are, you can tear up the documents and use it to keep yourself warm in your corner office at the Union Buildings.

Have a nice day, and remember.. don't blame me for your second-hand smoke inhalation!