The climate talks currently going on in Copenhagen will hopefully end in an accord that sets out real plans of action to combat climate change on a global level. These projects will cost trillions of dollars over the next few decades.
Does this mean that only countries economically capable of devoting millions or billions of dollars towards combating climate change will be able to reap the benefits of becoming "Green"? - Hopefully not.
According to the NYT, "the European Union will contribute about $3 billion starting next year to help poorer countries deal with climate change, Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Britain announced on Friday, a move that seeks to improve the chances of reaching an accord next week at climate change talks in Copenhagen".
Specifically these funds would be set aside to help poorer countries to begin planning massive engineering projects like building higher sea walls and converting their electricity systems so they rely on low-carbon sources.
Prime Minister of Britain, Gordon Brown said there were “few moments in history when nations are summoned to common decisions that will reshape the lives of men and women potentially for generations to come.”
No matter what the cost this is an issue that needs to be seriously addressed. I found this quote from a different NYT article about the costs of a Copenhagen Accord to be really moving.
“People often ask about the costs,” said Kevin Parker, the global head of Deutsche Bank Asset Management, who tracks climate policy for the bank. “But the figures people tend to cite don’t take into account conservation and efficiency measures that are easily available. And they don’t look at the cost of inaction, which is the extinction of the human race. Period.”
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