Was thrown into Canadian Parliament yesterday by PM Stephen Harper. Although not exactly the conservative agenda that some initially projected, it is one that will force the Liberal opposition to eat it or face an election in which they run the risk of a serious defeat. So, if the Liberal opposition abstains or otherwise finds a way to express its discontent without triggering an election and thus accepting the new conservative agenda it will underwrite this inconvenient piece of truth: (more…)

One of the rising economies in Europe has decided not to sign the Kyoto Protocal:

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Güler has announced that Turkey has declined to sign the Kyoto Protocol for the sake of the country’s national interests, in particular because certain parts of the protocol would hinder Turkey’s infrastructure development.

Güler explained that there were four criteria when it came to energy — energy security, diplomacy, economy and legislative — emphasizing that the situation became even more complicated when Turkey’s geopolitical position was taken into consideration.

At a meeting sponsored by the Marmara Group, he said it is necessary to be cautious when it comes to energy issues, pointing out the binding nature of international agreements, according to the Anatolia news agency.

Remarking that oil had been king for the past 100 years but that natural gas is the heir to the throne, Güler asserted that Russia, which has both gas and oil, has lately been using its energy potential as a means of power in international politics. He added Russia is establishing energy trade connections with countries only if it is strategically important for it. Underlining Turkey’s growing importance in the region, Güler recalled that throughout its history the country has served as a bridge between East and West. Since the Bakü-Tiblisi-Ceyhan pipeline started operation, Turkey’s position has become even more significant, Güler said.

He is right of course.

I really don’t see how Kyoto can survive. There is simply no use to it. The only countries willing to sign it, and live up the agreement, are Western European countries. The result is that they hinder the growth of their respective economy, while the rest of the world does not have that problem.

In short: Kyoto is dead.

Lets come up with something else.