Energy: Supply and demand, pricing, and policy.

Because higher-cost energy increases the cost of any activity conducted in the US, with energy-intensive industries suffering the most. This will provide additional impetus to move more jobs overseas, and to import more products, and raw materials further up the value chain. Admittedly, this is not a factor relative to western Europe and Japan, but it is relative to China, India, probably eastern Europe, and the south and central American nations which are not onboard with curbing emissions.

Curbs on US emissions not applied globally amount to a tax on US citizens to transfer monies to poorer nations. This is transnational socialism. If everybody plays by the same rules, there would be no change in competitive advantage (indeed, our heavy industry should benefit, due to increased transportation costs.)

Those are all very good and valid points. From these statements, can I assume you believe Western Europe, Japan - basically, all 1st and 2nd world nations - could suffer under the same possible hurdles as the US? Considering this financial position? It would be dishonest to say one, quick solution will solve everything. There are pitfalls to be considered. There are also advantages. Being able to survive as the human race, I think is the biggest advantage. Being able to maintain the quality of life we share is another advantage. That can not be done without energy! Seriously, although I have always been environmentally minded. I have also, until recently, seen that as a personal choice rather than a social necessity. To me, the real threat of global warming has changed it into a social necessity.

Unfortunately, you are correct. Not everyone plays by the same rules. This is where diplomacy comes in. We are a world power. We are still the primary world power - not just militarily, but economically. We, as the United States, have more influence than any other single nation in the world. Convincing 3rd world nations, where the majority of citizens barely have enough to eat, to invest their limited resources in clean energy is not going to be easy. But, it is an extreme necessity. I think the best way to do this is to educate those nations regarding the risk, offer reasonably implementable solutions, and, most importantly, lead by example.We, as a nation have not lost all of the respect we have had...not yet.