Using the Oil Shock to Prevent Climate Shock

A. Lieven & A. Rowell, International Herald Tribune | June 24, 2008

Reducing the West's dependence on fossil fuels from Russia and the Middle East requires lowering reliance on this type of energy altogether. ++ Many governments are "doing their utmost to increase and subsidize supplies" but this is not the revolutionary kind of action needed to avoid catastrophe. ++ Democratic leaders need to "lead, decide, and inspire," display courage and stop shying away from asking their electorate for vital short-term sacrifices. ++ Today's surging oil prices should be used to muster the collective will that's now necessary.