I am a confirmed pessimist when it comes to world efforts at anything. From the League of nations to the United Nations to G20 to whatever.
National interests
National interests always override humanity’s interests or even the interests of future generations. So I am certain Hopenhagen will be Hypehagen: an array of hyped up declarations that will appease the sceptical press and armies of lobbyists and protesters(or should we call them Protestants!).
The grand statements and headlines will whitewash a surrender to the demands of national pragmatism. Industries are still driven by fossil fuels. Industries mean jobs. And jobs mean power and longevity at the polls for the ruling parties.
The real “cultural mandate”
The Bible tells us that when God created heaven and earth, He said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground” (Genesis 1:26). Adam and Eve were “to work it and take care of it.” This is what theologians call the “cultural mandate”: God’s call to man to lovingly steward the earth. However, since the fall, man’s propensity has always been in the opposite direction: wasting instead of working; raping instead of caring of the earth.
Hope anchored in God’s promise
My hope is not in any grand agreement at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. My hope is in a fulfilment of God’s promise “that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God….(it) has been groaning in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time”(Romans 8:21-23,22). This 
liberation of earth will happen when Jesus Christ comes again not in humiliation but in kingly glory and power.
Lifestyle changes?
While we wait for that to take place, and it certainly will, we will pray, do what needs to be done, and support efforts to care for the earth. I cannot say I have stopped using plastic bags for the disposal of rubbish nor do the other little things that inconvenience my lifestyle. Other concerns occupy my heart and if along the way I have to make adjustments, I do not mind doing so. Tell me some concrete things you are doing, for I would like to do more.
Erm,
Me just do simple things, like japanese, they rinse their cartons of (milk, beverages) with water and then flatten it and then dispose it together with other cartons. (segregation of rubbish not done here yet, be tough tho).
Also, i try to use less plastic bags and use the recycle bags for grocery shopping…
Selah….
Is anybody really serious? The President of the US travels with two 747 aircraft, plus his 8 ton armored, scores of secret service and all the “safe” food that is transported from Washington. Imagine the amount of carbon emitted to bring all that weight just for one guy. All the climate scientist who travel almost monthly to international conferences. I have my doubts that anybody is serious. Al Gore uses more electricity for his house than an Indian or Nepalese village. Perhaps it should be called Hoaxagen!
Hi Bonsoir,
Lots to learn from the Japanese.
Hoaxagen! I like it. The newly coined word I mean. Are you and I too cynical?
Pray not!
Just healthy skepticism with a touch of human understanding for realistic probability and an optimism that we will guide us through our follies and foibles.
The Copenhagen conference is coming to an end and world leaders cant agree amongst themselves because the lifestyle and aspirations of the electorate is at odds with the discipline required to restrain changes in the climate.
Things will only change when massive tsunamis, the result of a major meltdown in the polar caps, destroy the major cities and urban centres in Europe, the US and Asia.
Did you check out today’s Sunday Times headlights? The reporter used the term “hopenhagen” too. Maybe he reads your blog
But instead of “hypehagen”, he used “nopehagen”
I got “hopenhagen” from some online news I read. I made up “hypehagen” and I think the press outdid me with “Nopehagen”. Those pros are lumber 1 with headliners.
You know Malcolm, I just watched “Avatar” and I figure James Cameron and the film will do more for climate change than the Copenhagen 2009. Yep thats just hyperbole, but it got your attention didn’t it.
Two thumbs up for a fascinating movie.
To all readers: Go watch it.
Change is easier when what we have is beginning to or already killing us.
Were the Chinese the villians at Copenhagen? Here´s the link:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/dec/22/copenhagen-climate-change-mark-lynas
Did you hear what Hugo Chavez of neighbouring Venezuela said about Copenhagen 2009? He said, “IF THE CLIMATE WAS A BANK, THEY WOULD ALREADY HAVE SAVED IT.”
Chavez has said all sorts of things. And some of his rants against capitalism seem to make sense. I doubt his prescription of unadulterated socialism is the answer, though.