nodded in the direction of the Cabinet Room. “I got the impression in there that it was all too hard. Evidence indicates we are already past the point where we could have avoided destructive climate change but most say the timetable is too short. Some are going nuclear while Australia, China and indeed we, are kidding ourselves that coal seam gas is natural and pouring money into clean coal research. Wayne says it’s an oxymoron and you’re not convinced.”
“No, I’m not convinced. It’s like jumping out of the plane before you put on the parachute. The coal industry is still expanding, so if clean coal doesn’t work, we’re even further in the hole. But I don’t really know.”
“What do you think is the biggest obstacle?” asked Devaurno.
“What, to clean coal?”
“No, to the US reaching consensus…supporting this thing.”
“Well, our intransigence in not supporting Kyoto One, then the wishy-washy effort in Amsterdam, then Kyoto Two, then hedging our bets on agreements we did sign gave our industries the wrong signals and reasons to procrastinate.”
Th ey were waiting for more. Harry continued, “As usual, reform was undermined by dumb slogans so there was no real debate. People are confused and frightened so they hang on to the platitudes and cosy up to their gurus for support.” He noted Tanner’s frown but continued as his mind flashed to Felicity’s warning.
“We need decision based on facts, not faith, political, religious or otherwise. To do less is a lack of due diligence at any level and I am afraid the rhetoric so far, particularly from the far right, has been dishonest and divisive.”
Tanner felt the criticism but appreciated the honesty and nodded for Harry to continue. “Nothing personal, Mr President, but you won’t find any less realistic group than some in our own party, particularly the religious Right…and of course much of Islam is too busy destroying itself to have the headspace for climate change.”
Tanner felt an uneasy mixture of anger and a nagging feeling that, despite the earlier epiphany, God was leaving the hard decisions to him.
“But you think China is getting political traction by sponsoring this resolution and we do not have a political answer?”
“No, we don’t, but we need one and soon, if we are to stay relevant in the debate.” He indicated the cabinet room. “Wayne represented scientific consensus but Arino more accurately reflected the electorate.” He turned to Devaurno. “So this needs something dramatic… an earth-shattering event that gets everyone onto the same page.”
Silence followed for a few seconds, then Devaurno replied, “Harry, we agree with you entirely. This problem needs a wake-up call. As you say; ‘an earth shattering event’.”
Thoughts crossed Harry’s mind of conspiracy theories following 9/11. His unease increased as Devaurno continued, “What you’ve said supports our thoughts. If we dither about for years waiting for agreement we’ll just blunder on into never-ending climatic and political chaos. Delice has said in previous meetings that most governments will back off when their electorates revolt against the cost of going one hundred percent renewable. We are convinced the UN resolution will fall over, so we have devised a plan and the means to deliver on it.”
Harry knew the answer before he asked the question. “Military?”
Devaurno nodded slowly, watching his reactions. Harry could not imagine any military intervention that could stop climate change. “I can’t see how bombing some poor bastards will lower birth rates and wean them off fossil fuels.”
“You’re right, Harry, but you’re not aware of the scope. We are not planning to fiddle at the edges here. To do half the job would be worse than nothing and to do nothing is no longer an option. Already we have a dozen conflicts raging through Africa, the Balkans again, Asia, the Middle East, the Subcontinent, you name it. As climate change bites conflict will accelerate until we’re all fighting over the dregs. In the long run, global population will be decimated whether we take action or not but if we move early, we can save a lot of it.”
“We have very regretfully decided,” concluded Tanner, “that population decline needs to be managed to produce the best outcome moving forward.”
Tanner misinterpreted Harry’s smile at the marketing language and confidently continued, “I see you agree we have no option but to force a rapid decline in world population in order to save the ecosystem and with a bit of luck, civilisation.”
He noted Harry’s smile had been replaced by white-faced disbelief.
“These are very hard decisions to take, Harry, but in the final analysis, we’re merely proposing sensible management of the inevitable.”
“What are you planning to do exactly?” Harry probed, his gut churning.
“At this stage, Harry,” Tanner hedged, “it would be inappropriate to burden you with detail but as you are in agreement so far, you will be included in future planning sessions where your role will become clear.”
“Why do you need me at all?”
“Harry,” Tanner assured him, “your role in this could be pivotal.”
“In what way?”
“You’re a realist. You’re not beholden to any political group, religious group, or for that matter, any other group. You have an excellent reputation for integrity throughout the world. Basically, you enhance our credibility. Leaders trust you.”
He smiled in anticipation of a positive reply, but Harry didn’t like anyone piggy-backing on his credibility, even his president and certainly not the abomination this was shaping up to be! But Tanner forged on.
“You bring a unique understanding of the state of play in Asia, particularly China. You can hose down any problems arising there.” He again smiled his encouragement. “What do you say?”
Harry had seen too many good people die for lost causes to believe in force as a first option. The plan they were formulating must be huge. It must offer a balanced carbon cycle, a dramatic drop in world population and the United States untouched and in the driver’s seat. Although he already doubted its wisdom, he decided he would be more able to influence its direction if he were included.
“OK,” he agreed, forcing a smile through clenched teeth. “I’ll see you.”
“Good. In that case, there are matters needing your immediate attention. Business wants a free trade agreement with China but we’re taking a lot of heat from our religious supporters over their human rights policies, so we need to bracket them into the same deal.”
“Is this a smoke screen?” asked Harry, more comfortable in the diplomatic role.
“Well, no, not totally. It is a real issue,” he answered, looking at Devaurno, revealing who was really driving the bus. “We need to be seen to be conducting business as usual, keeping our lobbyists happy and our enemies contained.” He lifted his eyes to Harry once again. “There are matters I need you to raise with Ho that’ll hold his attention. I’ll send that material to your office.”
“As you know,” Harry reminded him, “I’m due to visit Australia next week and…um, the geosequestration thing. I hate to say it, but if Arino is pushing it, it needs looking at. Maybe I can ask a few questions without making it official.”
Tanner stared at Harry for a few moments deciding what to say. “I am hopeful it works,” he offered finally. “But I guess we need to be sceptical.” He glanced at Devaurno, then continued, “If it isn’t working and Prime Minister Mulaney knows it, he will be more receptive to our idea, so sound him out. We need him.”
“Australia is vital,” added Devaurno. “With Mulaney aboard we have the perfect base for South Asian operations. We have bases there, but as Mason says, be careful what you say. He’s smart and he’s ruthless and if he thinks he is not in the loop, he could be dangerous. He might come aboard