The principal messages from leaders meeting at the APEC summit recently concluded in Sydney Australia are to prioritise action to reduce climate change and to successfully conclude the WTO Doha round trade talks.
These are entirely appropriate prime objectives. Unfortunately, the US, which is the largest per capita carbon emitter and world superpower, and Australia, host to the meetings, are both laggards in addressing climate change. And although talks in Geneva continue in an attempt to resolve the deadlock on trade and subsidies, there is little sign or hope that progress will be made as long as America, Japan, EU and others continue to protect their markets.
Unfortunately the statements appear to be more self-serving propaganda to support incumbent administrations rather than underpinning new initiative. There will be more time wasted on talks, while the biosphere’s volatility rises and emerging economies are locked out of the capitalist club by protectionist policies.
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