CHINA GROWTH PATH EXCEED PLANET'S RESOURCES

CHINA'S ECONOMY EXPANSION: ITS CONSUMPTION
OF FOSSIL FUELS WOULD BECOME UNSUSTAINABLE

BEIJING (AP) – If China's economy continues to expand rapidly and rely heavily on coal and other fossil fuels until the middle of the century, its power consumption would be unsustainable. This has revealed a two-year study, supported by the international environmental group WWF, also said if China's energy usage structure remains unchanged, its emissions of greenhouse gases blamed for global warming would reach 17 billion tons a year by 2050. Chinese government says it will accelerate a shift away from fossil fuels that produce carbon dioxide, a leading greenhouse gas.

The researchers said it is necessary to make changes in lifestyle in order to contribute most to a reduction in energy demand, but it is doubtful that once-impoverished Chinese will be willing to give up the chance to buy new cars and houses. Global leaders hope to reach an agreement at a U.N. climate summit in Copenhagen in December on future cuts in emissions of carbon dioxide, but China has resisted making concrete commitments, saying rich countries have a heavy historical responsibility to cut emissions and that any deal should take into account countries' levels of development.

WHAT DO THE VEDIC TEACHINGS TELL US?

Although Maharaja Ambarisa possessed immense wealth, he considered it all to be false and temporary. He did not have even a tinge of attachment for his possessions. He knew very well that his wealth could be destroyed while he was alive or he would have to leave it behind. Separation was inevitable. He also knew that attachment to temporary material wealth causes one to fall down into ignorance, hellish conditions or miseries. This is the secret. To live in the world while not belonging to it. Sadhus also live in this world but they never want to enjoy it. Sadhus consider themselves, this world, and all the belongings of this world to be the objects of enjoyment for the Supreme Lord. That is the reason why they never get entangled in this material world.

Srila Bhakti Ballabha Tirtha Maharaja:
"Lecture 'Hari Bhajan in Married Life' - Published Oct 31, 2002"