Let's not forget global warming

Unfortunately, attention is now on the US financial meltdown, which has triggered the global recession.

One of the overall agreements from the meeting is that protecting the carbon-storing capacity of forests "must become one of the world's highest priorities".

The clearing or destruction of rain forests for mining, slash-and-burn agriculture, cash crops and livestock grazing has severely reduced their ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide that drives global warming. Nearly 20 per cent of atmospheric carbon dioxide is absorbed by forests in a carbon cycle that helps keep the planet cool.Therefore, instead of preaching the necessity to ensure a sustainable environment, world leaders should pay more attention to the causes of global warming and look for ways to mitigate the impending crisis.

The impact from environmental problems may take longer to sink in. People will not notice these effects as much as the more immediate impact of the current financial crisis. But once these environmental consequences happen, they will be far more difficult to reverse. Therefore, the consensus from the Congress should be urgently heeded. Developing countries must also be empowered to play a larger role in global solutions. Immediate investment in research infrastructure and human capacity is necessary to improve and scale-up research programmes in crucial areas of environmental protection and development.