comment: >
  
  The short answer I guess, is yes but though this conference is largely ceremonial it serves the same basic function of the U.N.  It opens dialogue between countries and if we want to achieve anything we will have to work together.  So having a large oil producing nation be the president isn't as counterproductive as it seems on the surface.
  ​
  While things appear dire, changes will come incrementally.  For instance the flooding in Pakistan so we will be given many chances to take more drastic action.  The question is at what point do things get so bad that we forsake our capitalist motivations and embrace more environmentally sustainable ideas?  Whatever we decide and whenever we decide to take action we will have no chance unless we do it together.
context: We’re screwed, aren’t we? >
  
  The short answer I guess, is yes but though this conference is largely ceremonial it serves the same basic function of the U.N.  It opens dialogue between countries and if we want to achieve anything we will have to work together.  So having a large oil producing nation be the president isn't as counterproductive as it seems on the surface.
  ​
  While things appear dire, changes will come incrementally.  For instance the flooding in Pakistan so we will be given many chances to take more drastic action.  The question is at what point do things get so bad that we forsake our capitalist motivations and embrace more environmentally sustainable ideas?  Whatever we decide and whenever we decide to take action we will have no chance unless we do it together. >
  
  We’re screwed, aren’t we?