“Governments must act swiftly”
According to a front page story in the London Sunday Telegraph, Britain’s Prince Charles is set to announce that the world has “100 days to act” to reverse climate change. “The clock is ticking,” according to the prince, who will reportedly make a speech on Thursday insisting that catastrophe looms within eight years unless something is done about global warming.
The prince’s plea is nothing new. The London Guardian newspaper said “governments must act swiftly” to address global warming – in an article in 2006.
It is always interesting when people ask governments to act swiftly. It is against the nature of government to do anything swiftly even when they do act. Frankly, the faster governments act, the more mistakes they make. Yet people constantly claim we are in crisis mode, demanding that governments “do something.” In recent years, we have been told “Governments must act swiftly…
- …to prevent an outbreak of bird flu.” (World Health Organization, 2005)
…to free up credit markets.” (Arab World’s Business Information Service, 2009)
…to stabilize markets.” (Harvard, 2009)
…to incentivize antibiotics R&D.” (Nature, 2006)
…to enact policies that protect river health.” (International Rivers, 2003)
…to make major infrastructure investments.” (FCM Canada, 2008)
…to send a message to those who perpetrate and support terrorists.” (OJC, 1996)
…to get stimulus money.” (Miami Today, 2009)
…to ensure Canadians get mental health treatment.” (National Union Research, 2008)
No wonder governments never get anything done. They’re too busy dealing with stuff upon which they are supposed to act swiftly.
