Another Kyoto with knobs on is likely to be a very expensive mistake

AS the Taoiseach prepares to leave for Copenhagen, we are told there are only a few hours left in which to save the planet. For all that is at stake though — entire nations vanishing and millions losing their homes to rising seas — I suspect the read-out from the conference-of-all-conferences will be rather less intently followed than, say, last week’s budget or even the X Factor result, come to think of it.

Yes, there is concern about man’s impact on the environment, but we are also wearying of being terrified by what are essentially speculations.

Two things seem certain. First, the conference will have failed. Second, it will be hailed as a resounding success. Simply, the developing world is not going to agree to give up cheap energy and the developed countries are going to find ways to look busy while not doing too much.