With Patrick Crow
from Washington, D.C.
Sec. of State Warren Christopher has disclosed an ambitious U.S. program to improve the world's environment.
In a talk at Stanford University last week, Christopher said the Clinton administration "has recognized from the beginning that our ability to advance our global interests is inextricably linked to how we manage the earth's natural resources. That is why we are determined to put environmental issues where they belong: in the mainstream of American foreign policy."
Banner year ahead
Christopher said the Clinton administration will use the rest of 1996 to ensure that 1997 is a banner year for the environment.
The administration will seek further international cuts in greenhouse gases to minimize climate change, push for global action on problems caused by toxic chemicals, develop a strategy for the world's forests, work with Congress to ratify a treaty to preserve the diversity of plant and animal species, and seek ratification of the Law of the Sea Treaty to ensure access to ocean resources.
"Our approach to these problems must be global because pollution respects no boundaries, and the growing demand for finite resources in any part of the world inevitably puts pressure on the resources in all others."
A State Department conference next year will seek strategies to improve compliance with international environmental treaties "to ensure that those agreements yield lasting results, not just promises."
Christopher said State will establish "environmental hubs" at embassies in key countries. These will address regional natural resource issues, press for sustainable development goals, and help U.S. businesses sell their environmental technology.
The U.S. plans to work bilaterally with key nations, starting in North America.
"We cannot separate our environmental interests from those of Canada or Mexico," Christopher said.
"Through the State Department's new Partnership for Environment and Foreign Policy we will bring together environmental organizations, business leaders, and foreign policy specialists to enhance our cooperation in meeting environmental challenges."
State next year will begin annual reports on world environmental challenges. "This will be an essential tool of our environmental diplomacy, bringing together an assessment of global environmental trends, international policy developments, and U.S. priorities for the coming year."
Political connection
Of course, any connection between the State Department's sudden emphasis on environmental protection and Clinton's reelection campaign is purely intentional.
But the oil industry should be concerned. It knows from experience the Clinton administration has never balanced its domestic energy and environmental policies.
If the administration persuades other nations to accept a similar imbalance, energy production and other economic developments around the world could feel the consequences.
Copyright 1996 Oil & Gas Journal. All Rights Reserved.
