Alastair McDonald wrote:

And what makes you think that global warming will not have the same result?

well, I don't actually .. as I've said, it's only a gut-feeling!

No one is calling for an immediate stop, but if the USA does not join in with
the phasing out of fossil fuels, started with the Kyoto protocol, then it wiil
be subjected to an even greater shock than any other nation.

Oh absolutely! It's only common sense trying to reduce ones influence on
this planet. The less influence, the less chance of disturbing a careful
balance. It's afterall the only habitable planet we have. If only the US
would conceive of the AGW-threat as an opportunity. Environmental
friendly technology could easily be a huge market in itself. Now the US
runs the risk of being outcompeted by other nations that do change their
behaviour.

--
Rich