[wgren]

>It does actually have to be so, especially for developing nations like China and India

No, it doesn't actually have to be so. Knowledge and technology transfer, more efficient markets, and alternative energy sources combined can ensure continued growth without increased emissions. It is fascinating that some free-market proponents believe in the amazing ability of human imagination and drive to surmount any dificulty (as I do). But as soon as we make any attempt to include environmental externalities when calculating the cost of something, the whole market will appearently collapse and billions die!

>thousands of Swedens and their (frankly) mediocre efforts

It is of course impossible for Sweden to offset the emissions of everyone else. The point is that everyone else can learn from Sweden and do the same. A 9% decrease in carbon emissions over 20 years combined wth healthy growth and high living standards? What would you consider not mediocre?

>destroying the planet that there really is very little we can do to stop it without encroaching on the human rights of every person on the planet.

So destroying the planet is not encroaching on their rights in any way then?