McCain on China EQ, global warming
Posted: Monday, May 12, 2008 5:45 PM by Domenico Montanaro
From NBC/NJ’s Carrie Dann
PORTLAND, Ore. -- McCain mentioned today the 7.9-magnitude earthquake in central China that killed thousands of people in Sichuan province. The reference to the disaster, which Chinese authorities say has left at least 8,000 dead, came as McCain talked tough about the country's lack of cooperation in addressing the problem of global warming.
"One of the greatest difficulties is to gain the cooperation of China," the senator said of the growing threat of global warming. "That nation today is dealing with a catastrophic earthquake and the loss of thousands of citizens including many children and students."
He added, "All of us hope that rescuers would be able to save more lives at a terrible time for the people of Sichuan province."
In talking about global warming, McCain said China is among a list of nations that are "increasing carbon emissions at a furious pace."
"No nation should be exempted from its obligations," he added. "And least of all should we make exceptions for the very countries that are accelerating carbon emissions while the rest of us seek to reduce emissions."
"If we are going to establish meaningful environmental protocols, then they must include the two nations that have the potential to pollute the air faster, and in greater annual volume, than any nation ever in history."
The remarks came as McCain launched a trip in the Pacific Northwest aimed at highlighting his plan to address global warming. The GOP senator's philosophy revolves around a market-based cap-and-trade system that would place limits on carbon emissions but offer extra emissions rights at a cost to companies that need them. The plan aims to cut emissions to 60% of the 1990 levels by the year 2050.
