You know, there’s something I don’t get about these kabuki “major economies meetings” Bush is holding. Obviously, in reality it’s about creating the illusion that Bush is doing something on climate. But usually when something is done purely for looks, there’s some sort of plausible cover story, a purported rationale that can be put out to the media.

But the Bush administration has always said that all countries should determine their own strategies for addressing climate change, and that carbon targets should be aspirational, not mandatory. In fact, that’s exactly what the “major economies” concluded after their first meeting.

Reader support helps sustain our work. Donate today to keep our climate news free. All donations DOUBLED!

So if each country is going to do what it wants, in the way that it wants … what’s the point of meeting? They got together, explicitly ruled out a binding agreement, and then decided to … keep meeting. WTF?

Grist thanks its sponsors. Become one.