In a recent article printed in the New York Times, it was reported that a number of developing nations have begun suggesting that the United States should be charged to pay reparations for its part in damaging the enviroment. Of course the envoy representing the United States, in no uncertain terms, rejected any sort of fine levied against the it, however, should the United States face some sort of fine for its role climate change? As a nation, we consume the vast majority of the Earth’s resources, as well as maintain lifestyles that have little regard for our fellow Earthlings. In that light, it would only seem fitting that we pay for what we’ve helped cause. That being said, however, I don’t believe monetary aide to other countries would necessarily yield the best results either.
If I were in Copenhagen, I would propose that instead of paying in money or goods, we pay in manpower. One of President Obama’s campaign initiatives was increase the size of the Peace Corps. By sending more citizens aboard, not only would Americans gain a better worldview, but we could ensure that any aid money given to that country would be going to the appropriate ventures and not into the pockets of corrupt officials. Granted this idea, just like any sort of reparations idea, would not go over well in the United States, but it is something to consider.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/10/science/earth/10climate.html?ref=earth
