Why go to Bali to fight global warming?

Ten thousand conferees, activists and journalists from nearly 190 countries are at the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali this week and next. If humans are significantly responsible for global warming, the conference will clearly bring about climate change: The Times of London reports that emissions from the two-week conference "will generate the equivalent of 100,000 tonnes of extra CO2. That is similar to the entire annual emissions of the African state of Chad."

But not to worry, Indonesia has planted millions of trees to soak up those extra greenhouse gases.

Furthermore, Bali has figured out a way to handle all those private jets flown by celebrities like Al Gore and Leonardo DiCaprio. Since the airport only has room to park 15 planes, private jets will have to let off their passengers and then fly on to other airports in Surabaya, Lombok, Jakarta and Makassar.

Claudia Rossett links to photos of the ritzy resort where the meeting is taking place.

Those who fear that climate change is a way for the UN to get its hands on more money weren't reassured after the first day's meetings. Headlines from the AP were all about how Climate change victims say aid falls short."

The needs are real. "Climate refugees" from places like the Carterets, a sandy atoll of a half-dozen islands are leaving for higher ground. The UN has set aside $800,000 to help the 600 families move, but that "doesn't go a long way," said their representative, Ursula Rakova: "We still need more money, from people like America."