MEDIA REACTION - GLOBAL WARMING

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000201 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR R/MR, I/PP, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, WHA/EPSC, INR/IAA STATE FOR PM, INL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO KSTC KTIA CI SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - GLOBAL WARMING ¶1. On February 4, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (Sun. circ. 222,084) carried an editorial by Alvaro Vargas Llosa entitled "Global Warming Divides the United States." Quote: "In his recent State of the Union Address, President Bush for the first time spoke about climate change.... It is not clear whether this means the government has changed its view on this issue since Bush refuses to apply obligatory restrictions to gas emissions on the industrial sector, ...opposes signing the Kyoto Protocol and, just a few weeks ago, reiterated that he does not believe that the application of restrictions is the way to lower greenhouse gases.... Bush...aware of the U.S. dependence on energy from an unpredictable Middle East, believes the emphasis should be on promoting alternative fuel technology.... Republicans and Democrats are fighting over the climate banner, an issue that was the monopoly of the opposition. The debate is no longer whether there is climate change, but rather if it must be countered by limiting industrial activity or promoting innovative technology." ¶2. On February 4, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (Sun. circ. 222,084) carried an editorial entitled "Climate Report: A New Stage -- Global warming must be fought by promoting innovative technology rather than by applying restrictions to gas emissions." Quote: "It is true that the United States today generates the largest percentage of gases that produce the greenhouse effect.... But the accession of China, India, Eastern European, and Latin American countries to the global economy is also the main cause of the increase in the demand for energy.... The study on the use of alternative energy sources must be approached as a national strategy with the state leading the effort, so that the private sector can explore options.... If global warming is a fact, it seems reasonable to focus on technological innovation, rather than on limiting gas emissions, to resolve the problem." KELLY