We're consumers, so what? You are too.

While in Salvador, Brazil I was able to talk to some youths about the environment and the conversation was extremely humbling. I know that the US is not doing all it can to stem environmental degradation where it's own contribution is concerned, but these Brazilians really let me have it. They spoke about the Bali Convention and how the US was being incorrigible in not cooperating or committing to any of the agreeements laid forth. They also reprimanded me for being a wasteful consuming American who guzzles disproportionate amounts of petroleum. However, they did admit that they were also at fault, because the youth I spoke to were priveleged Brazilians that consumed at a level commensurate with the youths of America. They saw the environmental crisis as a serious issue, but were not making any significant changes in their lives to combat the problem. They duly noted that they should not be expected to do anything if the US and China, the top leaders in emissions, would not make steps to stop alleviate the problem.