AHEM!
We all know the United States' green reputation has slipped
badly, but the superpower has proven it can go even lower.
EcoEquity's says with Canada’s agreement to targets
on sanitation provision, the United States remains the last
nation standing against the World Summit's goals of extending
toilet provision. The U.S. agreed to water targets, making
its position on sanitation odd. After all, what goes in must
come out.
Remy Parmentier of Greenpeace is always good for a quote,
but the Frenchman's been on top form this week. Take this
gem delivered at a presser yesterday. Speaking about intransigence
on farm subsidies, he said: "Jacques Chirac has a tendency
to behave like an agricultural minister rather than the head
of the Republic."
Renowned as the home of the Wabenzi, Johannesburg (or rather
Sandton) is doing itself proud as the city of Mercedes-Benz
cavalcades. No acting with modesty here, even after counsel
from United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan. And the drivers
enjoy their flashing blue lights so much that TerraViva's noticed
they've taken to tearing around in empty vehicles.
What's going on with Tony Blair's team to WSSD? First, there
were press reports that Environment Minister Michael Meacher
may be dropped from the British delegation to Johannesburg.
Now comes the rumour that he has been prevented from speaking
to the press by Alistair Campbell, Blair's Press Secretary.
Meacher, described as the greenest U.K. minister, was told no
one below cabinet level would go to Johannesburg. ''So much
for Blair's promise to put the environment at the heart of government,''
says one NGO.
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