Things aren’t looking good for a deal on climate change at the upcoming G8 summit. Bush says he won’t sign any deal that “looks like Kyoto.” The British government is...

...hoping [Bush] will sign up to a statement like 'climate change is a reality and we must look to find ways out of the problem by employing new technologies'

If I may be frank, the above is a pretty goddamn low bar, but I guess if you keep your expectations low then you’ll never be disappointed. One thing that I find interesting is that Nick Kristof is pissed. You might remember Kristof from one of his previous columns criticizing environmental ‘alarmists,’ which was the brunt of ire from environmentalists across the blogosphere. His current column showcases Portland, Oregon as an example of the successful implementation of Kyoto-style emissions limits:

Newly released data show that Portland, America's environmental laboratory, has achieved stunning reductions in carbon emissions. It has reduced emissions below the levels of 1990, the benchmark for the Kyoto accord, while booming economically.

What's more, officials in Portland insist that the campaign to cut carbon emissions has entailed no significant economic price, and on the contrary has brought the city huge benefits: less tax money spent on energy, more convenient transportation, a greener city, and expertise in energy efficiency that is helping local businesses win contracts worldwide.

I’d like to second Kristof’s suggestion that Bush be given a briefing of Portland’s success prior to the G8 summit, though I doubt even that would chance this administration’s mind.