I agree that the Clean Development Mechanism is misguided. Even without 'additionality' (absence of legal requirement) there is the perverse effect that emissions still increase albeit slower than a presumed entitlement. However we want an overall zero growth or reduction. It is odd that the European carbon trading scheme declined to recognise carbon sinks such as tree planting on the grounds of fuzzy numbers, but gave open slather to CDM. It might be pointed out that offsets typically cost 10% or so of real carbon cuts. If the 2010 Australian ETS has either carbon sink or CDM type offsets they are making a rod for their own back.

As for the greenhouse rogue nations China and India I believe Australia can bring influence to bear. If the ETS requires say a 2% annual reduction in domestic coal use then I think we should cut coal exports by the same amount. Word is that China will soon be seeking more coal and I think that Australia must say no. Strangely enough they will probably have to get the coal from another greenhouse rogue the US as nearby supplier Vietnam is running out. I'd make it tougher still; if China wants our uranium they have to cut coal use.

In summary; we're not obliged to recognise the clean development boondoggle, we can influence China and India's emissions.

The 'new level of craziness' is to think either China or India will do anything other than that which current rulers believe in the best interest of the Nation concerned.

The Rudd government would be crazy to rush into costly measures without (a) a clearer demonstration that warming is happening, it's man-made, and anti-emissions measures will have a net benefit; and (b) strong evidence that major emitters will take sufficiently serious reduction measures that Australia will not be incurring severe local costs for no global benefit. Sadly, our government seems likely to proceed whatever.

Fortunately we appear to have gone past the totally amoral stance of pointing the finger at everyone else.

We are all rogue nations, Australia is at the helm.

No excuses for China's and India's reluctance to come on board, but we are not good role models, having many times their per capita greenhouse emissions.

Just as the Arms Race was dissipated, the finger-pointing greenhouse gas charade can also be dissipated. All it needs is for a moral position to be taken by enough leading nations that everybody eventually has to follow suit.

This all takes time and patience, but much progress is being made. Doing nothing until everybody catches up sounds pious and righteous but is morally indefensible.

Geko said;
All it needs is for a moral position to be taken by enough leading nations that everybody eventually has to follow suit.

Really, they will laugh at us all the way to the bank.

Look how the Russian Oligharcs took the Europeans to the cleaners over
the carbon credits !
Where do you think they got all their money from ?
Buying up old Soviet factories and running them ?

The Chinese will be only too happy to sell us credits if we are stupid
enough to accept them.

Oh where oh where are you Martin Luther ?
They are selling Indulgences again !

Faustino
'The Rudd government would be crazy to rush into costly measures without (a) a clearer demonstration that warming is happening, '

It matters not to the Rudd Government. It is simply about spin. Look at the ridiculous predictions of Mr Flannery. You would think with Sydney's current water supply he would hide with embarrassment . No instead more predictions to give the earth worshipers ammunition to push their agendas. Unfortunately spin from the Greens' Labour is going to cost the taxpayer more and more.