Minimizing the greenhouse effect

ABSTRACT

The issue of climate change is by its nature potentially divisive, so caution may be in everyone's long-term interest. International collaboration is essential as no single nation or egion is likely to want to bear all costs to mitigation and adjustment. The political obstacles to global collaboration are substantial, however, as different nations and regions have conflicting interests. Creating an effective international system for rationing and curtailing greenhouse gas emissions will take time. In the meantime, other opportunities for collaboration exist. The development community should outline a policy and research program for sustainable economic development that addresses the implications of the greenhouse effect. Clearly the energy sector should get strong attention, but such sectors as agriculture and urban systems are also of importance as emitters of various greenhouse gases and agriculture could be a sink for carbon (AU)