Deaths? so what. Loss of Profits? Holy Moly!

If the scientific predictions of global warming don't convince the right-wing movers and shakers to change policy, hit 'em where they and their financial backers live: the pocketbook.

A new British government-commissioned report warns of dire world economic catastrophe if the U.S. and China can't be swayed to substantially reduce their greenhouse emissions, as reported by the BBC:

The Stern Review, which is published on Monday, will say the key to solving the crisis is getting the big polluting countries, such as the US and China, to cut their emissions.

Sir Nicholas will say the polluters must be made to "pay the price" for the problems they are causing the planet.

The report warns unless the world moves to cut green house gases it is heading for a "catastrophic climate change" which would create the worst global recession ever seen.

The Stern Review forecasts that 1% of global gross domestic product (GDP) must be spent on tackling climate change immediately.

It warns that if no action is taken:

• Floods from rising sea levels could displace up to 100 million people
• Melting glaciers could cause water shortages for 1 in 6 of the world's population

• Wildlife will be harmed; at worst up to 40% of species could become extinct
• Droughts may create tens or even hundreds of millions of 'climate refugees'

The study is the first major contribution to the global warming debate by an economist, rather than a scientist.

Howard would like to point out that if the fate of hundreds of millions of lives rests on Prime Minister Tony Blair's abilities to sway President Bush -- even considering that Blair said the report was the most important he had received during his period in office -- then we're in for some difficult times indeed.

To be heard, he's gotta talk Republicanese by stressing the loss of seven trillion bucks ($7,000,000,000,000 at current exchange rates) -- worse than the economic costs of both World Wars and the Great Depression combined!

Read the whole story here.