The editorial “Copenhagen: seize the chance” (Dec. 7) is a clarion call to the 192 nations gathered in Copenhagen to save the global environment. As rightly pointed out, this is not the time for nations to indulge in a blame game. The onus is on everyone — nation and individual — to save the world from the impending disaster and hand it over to the future generations as we inherited it. We hope the world leaders will not let us down.
T.U. James,
Neriamangalam
Fifty-six newspapers in 45 countries have done a commendable job by speaking in one voice on the need to arrive at purposeful and binding solutions in Copenhagen to save the planet from the consequences of global warming. Efforts at individual level, particularly from the rich and burgeoning middle class, by switching over to renewable energy sources and reducing the use of vehicles will go a long way in mitigating the sufferings of the future generations.
Kumaran Appuchami,
Salem
The delegates at Copenhagen should embark on a holistic approach to address the issues that threaten the very existence of human beings. Decisive action with optimism and clear vision for facing the challenges posed by climate change is the urgent need of the hour. Let Copenhagen become a historic event.
V. Rajagopal,
Tirupati
It is amazing that newspapers across the world have spoken in one voice and requested the leaders to make the right choice. Terrorism has united all of us at the global level, with all countries condemning it. Climate change has now been recognised as one of the worst impending calamities, which should be averted at all costs. This editorial is a step closer to the fulfilment of Aurobindo’s vision, who dreamt of universal brotherhood.
S.A. Srinivasa Sarma,
Hyderabad
It is now or never. We cannot keep on producing petrol, diesel and electricity. The need of the hour, therefore, is better utilisation of the existing resources. Fuel saved is fuel produced — this is an oft-repeated statement. We should treat it with the seriousness it deserves. One really hopes the Copenhagen summit will not be another ritual, paving the way for yet another summit.
Pammal K. Hariharan,
Chennai
The lead taken by the 56 newspapers in highlighting the significance of the global summit on climate change in Copenhagen through a common editorial is commendable. World leaders should reach a consensus on limiting the emissions to a respectable level. The rich nations cannot shirk their responsibility of sharing the financial burden of the developing world in implementing the new norms, because they are largely responsible for the pollution.
The developing nations, in turn, should switch over to renewable energy sources. The solution is within our reach but eludes our grasp. Let us hope the heads of nations will walk the extra mile to arrive at an agreement.
K. Muralidharan,
Palakkad
Human intervention has led to extraordinary changes in the environment, and the evidence of its effects is there for all to see. Unless we regulate our lifestyles, we have little hope of saving the world. Climate change has led to the extinction of many species, vanishing of glaciers, killer heat waves and rising sea levels, and altered monsoon patterns. The world must come together to bring about a positive change. Time is running out.
H.N. Ramakrishna,
Bangalore
The world is facing two great crises — economic and environmental. Copenhagen has provided an important platform for world leaders to take a significant step for mankind. This is not the time for nations to play the blame game. The media have taken the right decision at the right time to publish a common editorial. It is now the turn of our political leadership to rescue the human race.
Md. Shakeeb Sayem,
Kolkata
That 56 newspapers from 45 countries came together to voice their concern over an impending disaster and appealed to the representatives of the 192 nations gathered in Copenhagen shows how much the world is worried about climate change. This novel effort by the fourth estate, we are sure, will have the desired impact on the eyes, ears and hearts of the heads of nations. The media should keep up the initiative to bring the world together.
R. Bhakther Solomon,
Chennai
The editorial was indeed thought-provoking. Our leaders must act now to make the world a safer place to live in. All nations must realise the danger and take corrective steps. Governments must embark on massive awareness campaigns.
K.J. Haroon Basha,
Vaniyambadi
Instead of spending money on sending additional troops to Afghanistan and fighting in Iraq, the U.S. can spend on constructive projects to save the earth from the jaws of climate change. Besides entering into a deal to fight climate change, the nations at Copenhagen should endeavour to create borderless nations. Nature has bestowed us with the best and it is now our turn to repay.
Cynthia Charles,
Coimbatore
Drought, low precipitation, high temperatures, melting of glaciers, increasing warm nights and rising sea levels are some of the consequences of global warming India has already started facing. Globally, between now and 2050, climate change is expected to push the number of displaced people to at least one billion.
Hence, let us hope that the representatives gathering at Copenhagen will speak in one voice.
V.K. Nair,
Thrissur
The talks should focus on the equitable sharing of the financial burden. Any agreement must involve technology transfer at low costs to the developing countries. An effort should be made to evolve legal commitments with efficient, accountable mechanisms.
Tripuresh Pathak,
Allahabad
