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The argument for insisting that America should face the strongest environmental sanctions is often based on the notion that America should be punished for its leading contribution to green house gas levels. That argument has a certain emotional appeal but is hardly conducive to developing American cooperation in what is clearly one of the biggest threats we have ever faced as a species. A much stronger argument can be mounted that recognises American leadership in economic development and sees ongoing leadership in environmental responsibility as a key to a sustainable future.

Modern economics was fundamental to the recovery of nations after the privations caused by the destruction of infrastructure and indeed of human spirit and resources by the Second World War.

From the mid 1940s much of the world experienced unheard of prosperity. That was particularly true of areas with strong ties to America. That leadership should be recognised for its contribution and not for mistakes that occurred.

In hindsight, it is clear that much of that prosperity was due to a cavalier approach to the natural resources that were considered to be both abundant and cheap. Further more the environment was seen as both resilient and durable.

Today we are much more aware that those attitudes were unfortunate and thus we are mindful of the necessity for policies that recognise environmental reality.

The focus of the change in attitude is undoubtedly the incidental production of green house gasses with their propensity to increase global temperatures to dangerous levels. The villain in the piece has been transport and in particular the motor car but in the rush to condemn motor cars it is usually forgotten that no single development has brought such freedom to so many as access to the motor car as a wonderful way to literally expand horizons. Not all that far behind condemnation of the motor car has been criticism of cheap air transport for its pollution while ignoring the way it has enabled international barriers to be broken down.

National and world economies will have to change if we are to continue to prosper and survive and America will have a vital role in leading that change. That will mean that America will have to show the way both in innovations for pollution reduced energy production and energy using restraint and that leadership will bring with it the responsibility of setting the highest standards.

America has rightly condemned the call for punishments when cooperation is the key and America will have to maintain its leadership role if there is to be any hope of success in establishing the balance between nature and economic growth.

Learn more about this author, Peter Gilchrist.
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