“Negotiators from the United States are trying to weaken the language of a climate change declaration set to be unveiled at next month’s G-8 summit of the world’s leading industrial powers,” reports the Washington Post today.

Our negotiators oppose “a pledge to limit the global temperature rise this century to 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as an agreement to reduce worldwide greenhouse gas emissions to 50 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.” Yet even Governor Schwarzenegger has announced a goal of reducing California’s greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050–that is what even moderate politicians think need to be done.

History will not be kind to this White House, especially if we warm far beyond 3.6°F and suffer widespread drought, desertification, famine, super storms, flooding, and the like.

Our negotiators are so petty and ideological, opposing action is not enough for them–they oppose even talking about the need for action. They propose deleting the following lines:

“We underline that tackling climate change is an imperative, not a choice. We firmly agree that resolute and concerted international action is urgently needed in order to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and sustain our common basis of living.”

Pretty minimal language given the scale of the problem, no?

This bunch may talk tough about terrorism, but they are wimps when it comes to protecting this nation–and the next 50 generations–from catastrophic climate change.

Jake Caldwell, from the Center for American Progress, has released a paper entitled “Fueling a New Farm Economy” that highlights the potential of the Farm Bill and biofuels in creating a secure, clean energy future.

His paper is worth a read, as is a shorter article he has posted, “Fueling Global Prosperity: Worldwide Gains for Farmers are in Reach“.

His paper appeared just weeks before an article in the Wall Street Journal reported encouraging findings regarding the American heartland: Ethanal Boom Fuels Brisk Sales of Midwest Farmland.