German Press Blames Katrina on US Climate Policy

n-tv.de ^ | August 30, 2005

[Altair333]

here's a report on the storm from Germany- in German. No sympathy for us- we deserve it.

Bundesumweltminister Jürgen Trittin warf den USA vor, zu wenig für den Klimaschutz zu tun. Die Häufung von Naturkatastrophen wie Hurrikan "Katrina" könne man nur mit der von Menschen verursachten Erderwärmung erklären, sagte Trittin im ZDF. Umweltschützer forderten eine Kehrtwende in der amerikanischen Klimapolitik.

Translation:

Federal environmental minister Jurgen Trittin reproached the USA, for having done to little to protect the climate. The frequency of natural catastrophes like Hurricane "Katrina" can only be explaned by man-made caused global warming, Tritten told the ZDF network. Environmental activists demanded a shift in American global politics.

[An.American.Expatriate]

Old news.

Every time anything weather related causes a catastophe anywhere, the German (and European) Press latches onto the Global Warming Theme and Bashes Bush with it. The recent flooding in Switzerland and Bavaria was also blamed on Global Warming - and of course, in the same breath, the fact the the Evil President Bush opposses Kyoto, blah blah blah.

Sadly, it seems that the weather gods are once again delivering an Election Campaign Theme to the SDP/Greens in Germany (as in 2002). The radical left just loves it when Schröder & Co. can blast the US / GWB.

[An.American.Expatriate]

At least they aren't blaming President Bush for Katrina.

Unfortunatelym you are wrong, they are!

[vaudine]

I agree. When we lived there 1958-1962, the Germans working in housing offices, PX, etc. were as arrogant as if they had won the war. When I told off a couple of German loafers in base housing supply, the CO called my husband's CO and told him I needed to apologize. My husband's CO told the housing officer that I did not need to because he knew me and I had to have been provoked to have told them off--which I had been.
A couple of German wives of American Officers said they hated to see their family coming to visit in the US because of the ingrained arrogance and superiority. We're speaking overall, here. Of course there are the nice exceptions.

I agree with a pullout of Germany. If we have to be over there--try Poland.

vaudine

[An.American.Expatriate]

And all the natural disasters that occurred under Bill Clinton were caused by...??

BJ's in the Oval Office??

[Billthedrill]

Great post.

[Altair333]

"Everyone can just pull some moonbat quote and post it to inflame things"

Uh, this isn't some leftist interviewed on the street- it's the German Environmental Minister.

[Unam Sanctam]

The frequency of natural catastrophes like Hurricane "Katrina" can only be explaned by man-made caused global warming, Tritten told the ZDF network.

Cite one shred of evidence...

[Dustbunny]

What a bunch of mental midgets the German's are.....

[COEXERJ145]

Says the guy whose granddad probably endorsed non-environmentally-friendly substances like Zyklon-B.

Sadly this is probably true.

[traumer]

It didn't take long....

[Gritty]

There were hundreds of Spanish treasure ships full of gold from South America sunk during hurricanes back in the 1500s-1700s.

It's a good thing the Kyoto Treaty came along to stop this uncontrolled centuries-long global warming and save us from hurricanes!

[STFrancis]

Who everyone in Europe knows is a moonbat!!!

That's why there are going to be elections in a couple of weeks.

[GodBlessUSA]

Yeah, we never had hurricanes in the past. They are so silly.

Yes, it is Bushes fault he didn't sign anything. LOL, Thank goodness. Whew. Too bad on Europe. :)

[johnnyBbad]

I'm not sure what to make of this environMENTAL nonsence.

Do they really believe their own theories? Are they desperate and just trying to blame anything on their climate predictions? Are they doing it as a joke and will one day say "GOTCHA! Just kidding!"

I really don't know anymore...

[AntiFearmonger]

German Environment Minister's comment was unsubstantiated, baseless and a cheap political shot at the US. If it wasn't for the inherited (old) East Germany's high quota of CO2 for 1990, Germany would now be scrambling more for buying some poorer country's "emissions" in the name of power plant upgrading.

It is a pity that natural disasters are used as "political trump cards", not only by activists but also the statespersons. It must be the time for "Kyoto 2" - another numbers game.

Recommended reading: "State of Fear" by Michael Crichton, 2004.

[racer09]

I don't know why you would even say such a thing. Would you like to be held responsible for everything the American press writes????? Maybe you should visit Europe and ask the people what THEY think. Have you ever been out of the country???? Last time I was in Europe "master race" is the furthest thing from peoples mind, also a class system doesn't exist in. Not like in the US where you are either rich or poor. According to the American press, who was the first country to send aid after the hurricane??????

[americanbychoice2]

Racer, I was born and raised in Germany. Thereafter I lived in Germany on four different occasions for a total of 16 years as European director for one of the largest companies in the world. I still visit my family four times per year. Yes, I have been out of the Hinterland a few times. Those are my personal thoughts and observations, I wish it could be different. I am tired of the eternal onslaught of Anti-Americanism by the German Government officials and their Media. Is it just because we keep quiet? Try assaulting the Germans best "new friends" China and Russia. Oh, I forgot, Russia would stop the Oil and Gas and China would would retaliate since they don't really believe in free speech?
Below I wrote something else that may stir your disgust:

perceived superiority is, in my opinion, a Gene that is present in most Germans. (Uebermenschen, Master race, etc.) I should know, I used to be one of them and can still remember how I thought and opined at the tender age of 19 when I immigrated from that country.

[racer09]

Uebermensch, sorry but thats BS. Maybe where you came from? Not where I am from. On the subject "OIL". Let's talk about Saudi Arabia hmmmm. Freedom of speech?? Equal rights for women??? I could go on forever. Oil, Oil, Oil!!!! That's why we had to go to Iraq - the Oil Dollar!

GERMANS ARE NOT ANTI AMERICAN. I say it again. Dont't blame all Germans for what the media is saying. Is the American media always reporting YOUR personal opinion?

[americanbychoice2]

just use your brain please. I always debate this stereotype answer to my leftist family.
Why would we want to pay about $2000 per gallon for oil, if we can import it for $70? Doesn't make sense does it?
When I use this number of $2000 per Barrel I am counting the amount of money we spend reconstructing Iraq as well as the War itself. I am certain that I am on the low side. Don't give me that cheap excuse of "it is all for Oil".
It just doesn't make sense.
Get a life.... or learn math.

[Rose of Sharn]

perceived superiority is, in my opinion, a Gene that is present in most Germans
Have known many Germans as well as Swiss. Been there many times and have to agree with you on that one. Another trait is "sense of humor missing" ....big time.