“Governments spend as much as $300 billion a year total in subsidies that encourage consumption and discourage efficiency. The subsidies delay the transition from dirty energy to more climate-friendly sources of power”, said a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report.
These subsides are hindering proactive fuel-efficient long term sustainability efforts. Studies, such as those of the UNEP indicate that elimination of these subsidies would result in a 6% reduction in green-house gas emissions.
“The subsidies delay the transition from dirty energy to more climate-friendly sources of power,” said one UNEP report. Kaveh Zahedi, UNEP’s climate change coordinator further stated that subsidies "don't always help the poor who need it most." They often benefit the wealthy. He also said, “Some countries spend more on subsidizing oil than they do on health and education combined." For villages that are not privy to electricity, where poor families consume only modest amounts of fuel, low electricity prices are meaningless. 
Which is more logical?
A. Promote an alternative means of energy generation at an average of $2.3 billion/year.
B. Spend $300 billion/year, drive ourselves deeper in debt, and further deplete resources.
On February 5, 2007 United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned that the poor countries will suffer the most from climate change and global warming. “The world has reached a critical stage in its efforts to exercise responsible environmental stewardship,” Mr. Ban conveyed to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum in Nairobi, Kenya. “Despite our best intentions and some admirable efforts to date, degradation of the global environment continues unabated, and the world's natural resource base is being used in an unsustainable manner.”
Historically, States have played the role of responsible resource management through local and national compliance and regulatory behavior. However, non-state actors has become more involved in aiding IGO's and States in areas of international concern as the role of the State is often confined within its borders.
Historically, States have played the role of responsible resource management through local and national compliance and regulatory behavior. However, non-state actors has become more involved in aiding IGO's and States in areas of international concern as the role of the State is often confined within its borders.
Companies like Green Meeting Industry Council, MAP International, and Hightower’s Petroleum are examples of non-state actors investing in global long term sustainability by joining forces with the United Nations through initiatives such as Global Compact. The Global Environment Facility, or GEF, is another notable example. Their mission is focused on working with developing countries and economies in transition to work with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) in meeting its overall objectives.
Since 1991, GEF has worked in several key areas in educating and reforming society towards active participation in positive climate change. These efforts include: short-term response measures, enabling activities, advanced clean energy technologies, renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, and strategic priority on adaption.
Ways in which the GEF is contributing to the global warming crisis through technology is their support of fuel cells, solar thermal power plants, efficient motors, micro-turbines, and small-scale renewable energy for rural health, education, and income generation. They also work with areas more susceptible to climate change and develop cost-effective response programs, and teach them how to deal with the problems at hand.
Ways in which the GEF is contributing to the global warming crisis through technology is their support of fuel cells, solar thermal power plants, efficient motors, micro-turbines, and small-scale renewable energy for rural health, education, and income generation. They also work with areas more susceptible to climate change and develop cost-effective response programs, and teach them how to deal with the problems at hand.
In 18 years, with less than 1% of the annual cost of subsidies, the GEF has funded over 2,400 sustainable projects.
The mission of GEF, like others, is simple. They aim to make the world a better place with long-term results. Not the short term subsidy. As stated, “GEF’s current strategy for its climate change projects focuses on removing barriers and building capacity in the areas of policies, financing, technology, business infrastructure, and information. The goal is to create a market atmosphere in which profitable investments in environmentally and socially sustainable technologies receive favorable treatment.” This type of organization and others could benefit from these subsidies and better direct them it appears a lot better than governmental subsidies can.
Long term initiatives, like The Global Environment Facility with their motto “Investing in our planet,” feels a lot more appropriate and provides a real solution.
21 comments:
It's power politics. criminal politics, speculation politics, and politics of animal without human nuture. Learn our Confucius Welfare politics, will be the only solution for US politics and world peace solution.
Peter,
I certainly appreciate your view. I just recently researched a wrote a paper about the differences in "Westernized" morality and non-Western morality and would like to share it with you. I would love to hear your feeback on this -- Here's a quick piece of it:
If society is based on human interests as opposed to human needs, which is the conflicting nature of human rights in Western versus non-Western societies, then what “ought” and what “is” takes on two separate forms. Westernized societies, by denying the association of naturalism, have opposed the “ought” in naturalistic non-Westernized societies and pursued the “is” as it correlates with human interests. The goals and ends are the justification for morality with the rationalization of the “is” rather than the “ought” which shapes behavior for Nature driven societies’. In another article by Mike Lapore, 2002, he reviews another article by Fukuyama which concludes that "Factor X cannot be reduced to the possession of moral choice, or reason, or language, or sociability, or sentience, or emotions, or consciousness, or any other quality that has been put forth as a ground for human dignity. It is all these qualities coming together in a human whole that make up factor X." He sees human nature through the eyes of Westernization as being political by noting that “If we have the power, some of us will be tempted to judge what are good and bad emotions (Lapore, 2002).”
Antonio Perez-Estevez (n.d.) argues that human rights pass through stages from divinity to individualism, where the Western states have adopted a sociopolitical thought of hierarchical human interests which has formed the basis of human rights, not shared by non-Western cultures. He views the psychology of Westernization as focusing on a sense of imperialism, which is indicated in the following excerpt:
These Western human rights intend to be the only human rights. The confusion between the Western and the human continues to exist (emphasis added). Western nations have no disposal to interchange their roles, they accept only to be "I" and refuse the possibility of becoming "You". At the same time, they accept that the others, the non-western, be only "You" and do not consider the possibility for the non-westerns to become "I". Western nations are not ready to be "You", to listen, that is, they are not ready to open themselves to the truths, values and proposals coming from the non-western non-liberal nations. Western-liberal-nations are not ready to listen because they do not satisfy the previous quoted requirements to be able to enter into a true dialogue. In fact, western-liberal-nations are conscious -as always before- that their culture is the most perfect expression of humanity and, therefore, they do have the whole and the only possible truth; that is why they want to share and, even, to impose that truth to other cultures and other peoples. Since they are proud of possessing the whole and only possible truth, they do not need any disposal to open themselves to others' truths, values and proposals because these non-western cultures have no truth, no values and no proposal to make and share.
Well said my dear as well as well researched.
I knew they were suit wearing dills I just did not realize how expensive they were.
Thanks as always.
Thank you Jim.... as always :)
They are quite expensive suits, aren't they?
Helena global warming/cleaner energyare extremely important issues for our world today, not to mention the future. However, expect a lot of nasty comments telling you global warming is all a scam and that we don't need to worry about clean energy. Everything is fine according to a lot of people and then they start mentioning the fake e-mails to that effect. Do let me know how many nasty comments you know. I got a lot when I wrote about clean energy.
How do you spell relief?
Africa: G8 Debt Agreement to Benefit 23 African Countries; Separate Deal for Nigeria Mooted
Reed Kramer
12 June 2005
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Washington, Dc — The agreement on 100% debt relief for developing countries announced by finance ministers from the eight largest industrial nations on Saturday initially benefits 14 nations in Africa. Another nine African countries could qualify for full debt cancellation in the next 12 to 18 months, and the ministers pledged "to provide a fair and sustainable solution to Nigeria's debt problems in 2005" through the informal grouping of creditor nations known as the Paris Club.
The nations first in line for debt forgiveness are 18 (including four in Latin America) that have reached the "completion point" in the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative launched by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in 1996. The 14 in Africa include Benin, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Nine others that are considered close to completion are Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Sao Tome and Sierra Leone.
Britain put the price tag for writing off the debts of the 18 eligible countries at $40 billion, plus an additional $11 billion for the soon-to-be eligible nine. Aid groups and debt relief proponents say 62 countries need total debt forgiveness if they are to meet the Millennium Development Goals that were adopted by the United Nations in 2000 and include cutting poverty and disease in half by 2015. The ministers said that the World Bank and African Development Bank would be compensated 'dollar for dollar' for the debt cancellation, while the cost of debt relief for the International Monetary Fund "should be met by the use of existing IMF resources" or, by "extra resources" where necessary.
For Nigeria, the G8 ministers provided encouragement that a relief package, which has been under discussion with creditors in the Paris Club, may be agreed during the G8 Summit in Gleneagles, Scotland in early July. "Nigeria is key to the prosperity of the whole continent of Africa," the ministers' declaration said. "We welcomed Nigeria's progress in economic reform as assessed in the IMF's intensified surveillance framework, noted its move to IDA-only status, and encouraged them to continue to reform."
President Olusegun Obasanjo said last week that his government is hoping to utilize the oil-producing country's foreign reserves to cancel its entire Paris Club debt. Obasanjo and his finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, have waged an intensive lobbying effort to persuade leading creditors that the democratically elected government's ambitious economic reforms should earn the country respite from the debt burden racked up by previous military regimes. Nigeria, with a population exceeding 130 million, earns the least revenue per capita of any of the large oil producing nations, the minister has said. In recent years, Nigeria has been paying about $1 billion annually to its Paris Club creditors, about half of what was owed.
Various options for reducing or eliminating Nigeria's indebtedness have been under discussion with Paris Club members. While Nigeria is seeking a 100% write-off, some creditors are reportedly insisting that some or all of what the country has earned from recent rising oil prices be used to buy back the debt at a substantial discount. "A fair discount might be in the range of 20-33 cents per dollar of face value,"
Helen,
Surely there are more choices than the two you have posted.
I volunteer another: Everyone, chose to limit wasteful energy consumption on a daily basis. Strive to find creative ways to create green energy alternatives. For example, if all those who could and would choose to walk up stairs instead of wait on the elevator, that would save some energy.
We need to foster an environment of energy responsibility at a grass roots level where it is fun, encourages and is healthy for all involved. Many buildings have "fire stairs" that no one wants to access unless there is a fire. What a waste and the message is that "people should be lazy, its fashionable". We are killing ourselves with our laziness.
Christel,
Thanks for your input. Of course there are more choices, and I'm glad that you pointed this out. However, as you mentioned "laziness" as a contributing factor I would also like to add an obvious lack of accountability to the equation. Additionally, there seems to be a widespread pandemic going around with the "it'll never happen to me" syndrome. I think its sad, but until the world is faced with the reality of the situation and willing to take responsibility there doesn't seem to be too many other options.
It's A., Helena . It is also time to remove by our vote, the stupid people in our governments. Good article Helena !
John,
Thanks so much for reading and your input! While "A" may be the obvious, most practical choice..... where's the profit in that? Spending $300 billion on subsidies may 'appear' to be a loss, but it's only a loss to us. To those in the oil industry-- it's a profit. Since the color of the money is "green" then I suppose it rationalizes the notion of "green energy" for the elites. Pretty absurd, isn't it?
the question is what are the forces that lead governments to do that, and how can they be led in other directions?
Hello Alexander! As always, I appreciate your feedback on these issues.
One word..... PROFIT.
Seems ridiculous that a $300 billion dollar loss would result in profit, but as I stated in response to another commentator, the subsidy money goes somewhere. In government, it is often the elites who retain the power and therefore benefit. It's hard to push for policy change when power and profit are at risk.
But in and through it all, it may be best to put yourself in the shoes of those in power. The strong rule the weak. It has ever been so. It is unlikely to change. Power is the ultimate high. Unfortunately, it is also the most debauching of one's judgment, perverting justice whenever it is in the power-holder's best interest.
Remembering this helps. But when it comes to how power structure really screw up, from time to time, an analysis of historically rooted cultural differences in consciousness is invaluable.
Hi Helena,
I appreciate your activities for climate-friendly politics.
Thank you Fred! I appreciate your mutual concern for these issues as well. But beg the question: Is there a such thing as climate-friendly politics? Sometimes I wonder --
Thanks again!
Helena,
While Antonio Perez-Estevez expressed his views, he was not the first to come to this realization.
Many will cry foul as I write this, the Catholic Church and spiritual communities before that have said these things. The nature of mankind is to put self interest ahead of community interest. This is not new since the DAWN of mankind.
Impoverishing other peoples and nations at the expense of a powerful few is not recent; it is an age old story.
If 18 nations are to be forgiven of debt, I think that might be wonderful. If the I's don't forget the We's that have brought about the situation to allow that debt forgiveness. Remember, please, the World Bank and IMF were creations of Western as well as worldwide influence.
And American TAXPAYERS still hold up the HUGE end of the DEAL. Joe Blow, the average American, is a hardworking citizen, not particularly powerful, or particularly political and perhaps a bit naïve to the rest of the world.
I hope as these debts are forgiven some day and that the rest of the world will remember the COMMUNITY sacrifices that the average Joe USA citizen has made with his LIFE. I hope the world will be as kind to the average USA citizen, in his or her time of need.
Impoverishing other peoples and nations at the expense of a powerful few is not new; it is an age old story.
What might be new is if the world will stop seeing itself as victims and start seeing "Western Cultures" as part of a very large, long spiritual plan of God. We are a part, NOT the main piece.
I have a dream that mankind will stop catering to national narcissism and see the Earth itself as a part of some larger cosmic plan of God.
God himself knows the limits, if any. We human beings only see limits. I believe God sees our frail but obvious human potential, Western or otherwise.
Helena,
While Antonio Perez-Estevez expressed his views, he was not the first to come to this realization.
Many will cry foul as I write this, the Catholic Church and spiritual communities before that have said these things. The nature of mankind is to put self interest ahead of community interest. This is not new since the DAWN of mankind.
Impoverishing other peoples and nations at the expense of a powerful few is not recent; it is an age old story.
If 18 nations are to be forgiven of debt, I think that might be wonderful. If the I's don't forget the We's that have brought about the situation to allow that debt forgiveness. Remember, please, the World Bank and IMF were creations of Western as well as worldwide influence.
And American TAXPAYERS still hold up the HUGE end of the DEAL. Joe Blow, the average American, is a hardworking citizen, not particularly powerful, or particularly political and perhaps a bit naïve to the rest of the world.
I hope as these debts are forgiven some day and that the rest of the world will remember the COMMUNITY sacrifices that the average Joe USA citizen has made with his LIFE. I hope the world will be as kind to the average USA citizen, in his or her time of need.
Impoverishing other peoples and nations at the expense of a powerful few is not new; it is an age old story.
What might be new is if the world will stop seeing itself as victims and start seeing "Western Cultures" as part of a very large, long spiritual plan of God. We are a part, NOT the main piece.
I have a dream that mankind will stop catering to national narcissism and see the Earth itself as a part of some larger cosmic plan of God.
God himself knows the limits, if any. We human beings only see limits. I believe God sees our frail but obvious human potential, Western or otherwise.
A tricky situation in the global politics that I prefer to call Energy Politics.
Its just not possible to bring down subsidy to Zero in developing countries due to prevailing socio-economic constraints there.
I basically relate this situation to the existing low income/expense ratio (1.25 to ~<1)in these countries, which means low quality of life or low value addition or low sustainability in society.
This low ratio cannot be changed overnight, it has to be deliberate and gradual passage by increasing productivity, particularly in democratic systems. Its vicious circle. But, certainly I agree with you that subsidy encourages poor and in-efficient flow sheets. "man" has always learnt by mistakes all through his history from the Neanderthal era and so is the case of world societies. The continuous need to exist and survive is the driving force to evolve and improve quality of life and the transition for subsidy economics to sustainable economics is right there at the horizon – The Hydrogen Cell. Induction of Hydrogen Cell as energy source is going to change many of our economics principles in coming years. It would our compulsion to adopt Hydrogen Cell in automobile & locomotion industry, domestic & industrial fuel cycles, the bonus would be automatic drastic reduction in GHGs world over.
thnks
This is the ideology confusion time and world, media dominated, and government fooled and money oriented. It's human development bottle neck, no one can change the situation. It will take time let people can treat massive information from internet. More or less I find people generation by generation become more and more clever. We should keep study and keep fresh mind and idea to follow the time.
I think after 2500 years development, human will finally find life actually is very simple to keep healthy and happy and all people will find their way to help human development. Confucius and social democratic or welfare politics and social public service will become more popular. Power politics will have no support from the society and people.
Try not too hard to think about power politics, find your way to success is the most important,
I will try launch LifeCare/OffiCare worldwide, at same time I could give ideology lectures everywhere.
Pls study my website: www.west4u.com, and find what you can do and we can do together.
With the Internet words become not so important, to find you position and give influence to the key person and find your way success.
not only do i an i put all my trust and faith in the UN charter, but also in the goodness of human beings, who will stop at nothing to correct a wrong that detrimentally needs to be righted. edify yourself on how the tacit ruler (pope) secure his own international individual human rights to become universally recognized as jesus christ's highest representative in this spiritually bankrupt commercial world we live in today.
political exodus is a must, for only in the UN charter do i an i trust, especially article 2 which grante entitlements to all, equally.
love and peace always an forevermore tewahedo (oneness)
The Catholic Human Rights Revolution
George Weigel
-the Second Vatican Council's Declaration on
Religious Freedom-is frequently described as an expression of
Christian personalism, because of its teaching that every human
being has an inalienable right to immunity from state coercion in
matters of religious conviction. As the declaration puts it, "the
right to religious freedom has its foundation in the very dignity
of the human person, as this dignity is known through the revealed
Word of God and by reason itself."
http://www.facebook.com/l/b96a3;www.ewtn.com/library/CHISTORY/HRREVOLU.TXT
Dear Helena,
Please ask Obama about this. They intend to do more drilling:
#Obama outlines expansion of #Oil and #Gas exploration for Atlantic Coastline. BAD! -- http://bit.ly/bRFJ9m
Regards,
Liviu Caliman
http://ie.linkedin.com/in/liviucaliman
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