SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER EDITORIAL BOARD
The landslides in Indonesia are a sample of the discourse ahead when it comes to global warming. Political leaders say, "Plant trees" -- two words that are supposed to make it better for the survivors of the landslides that killed at least 67 people and left tens of thousands homeless.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, quoted in The Sydney (Australia) Morning Herald, called for a mass planting of trees to prevent disasters such as flash floods and landslides and to "save the Earth from global warming."
However, scientists say the problem is more than a need for landscaping. They wonder why the country hasn't been preventing illegal logging.
The independent Environmental Investigation Agency says Indonesia's forests are disappearing and illegal logging is out of control.
Environmentalists say Indonesia ought to impose a total moratorium on logging -- the best way to start restoring trees on mountain slopes and other dangerous slide areas. Those are ideas that Indonesia's leaders say aren't necessary and are too costly.
But this conversation is moving forward -- and not just in Indonesia. More countries, including our own, must re-examine logging polices in the context of global warming. Sustainability is no longer optional.
© 1998-2007 Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Stabilizing the Climate Means Putting An End to Unsustainable Logging
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Global Warming: Re-examine logging
Seattle Post-Intelligencer, December 27, 2007
Straight to the Source
