Paris climate talks was big business

Climate change seemed to be the last thing on the minds of the developed countries in attendance of the Paris COP21 (Conference of Parties) if you believe Rajendra Singh, of India.

The Hindu interviewed Singh, a Magsaysay Award winner and water conservationist, in a country where water, especially clean water, is precious and often scarce. 

Mr. Singh is known as the "Waterman of India" and was awarded the Stockholm Water Prize for outstanding achievement in water conservation. This is a real award, not like the Nobel Peace Prize given to terrorists like Yassar Arafat, opportunists like Al Gore, and empty suits like Barack Obama.

Singh described the Paris talks as a playground for business interests of developed countries. "The Paris agreement is a defeat for India, and it is a sign that our country has let developed countries like America take the upper hand," Singh told The Hindu on Saturday.

I see Singh's point but believe it's a case of the liberals in this administration taking the upper hand on underdeveloped countries.

"India's knowledge system prioritizes love and respect for nature. We are leaders in this field, but with the Paris agreement we have given a clear path for commercialization of nature. This is completely against our tradition."

Mr. Singh believes the Paris agreement absolves the United States of its liability for causing climate change in the first place, but China, the biggest polluter on the planet, is not mentioned. Singh feels it is the U.S. that is the biggest climate culprit. 

I believe it's the four seasons that play the biggest role in climate change.

Singh was in Paris during the negotiations and alleges that much of the process was a discussion of business interests rather than environmental concerns. "COP 21 became a playground for business and economic interests of developed countries, and they forced everyone to accept their terms. They are happy now," he said. 

With about 40,000 people in attendance, the real decision-makers made up a "blue zone" of not more than 400 people. "They called the shots," Singh said.

It was due to this exclusionary climate (no pun intended) that Singh organized an alternative COP forum with like-minded activists who actually discussed "climate and not business."

How revolutionary. Someone ought to tell Obama.

Singh added that "If they were really discussing the environment, they would be discussing water and greenery. Instead, they only ended up talking about the sale and purchase of technology and how different consultancies could be engaged to help one another."

Funny how liberals become free-market entrepreneurs when the money goes in their pockets.

He believes that India was willing to go along with the terms of the Paris agreement because it had its own narrow self-interest in mind, in effect telling the U.S. "Look, we absolved you of the blame for the climate change you caused. In return, you should let us use coal to produce electricity," said Singh.

He believes that producing electricity through coal is considered damaging, but India pitches for its right to do so because it needs more energy for manufacturing. "In order to achieve this one thing, you have sold away your traditions and your beliefs," said Singh.

What developed countries need to understand is that burning coal to produce clean energy is a lot better than the poor having to burn dog or cow poop just to keep warm. 

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