Adopted in December of 1997, the Kyoto Protocol was the written contract committing each signed country to its goals and regulations. The Protocol is the same thing as the UNFCCC in that it pertains to Greenhouse Gas emissions (GHG) and how to stabilize the levels. However, the Protocol commits each country to the decided decrees made at the frequent conferences (2).
After two and one half years of negotiations, the Convention decided that each country to sign would have to limit their GHG emissions by 5% of the 1990 levels. However, each country is not treated equally. Depending on emission levels, each country has different goals. Because the US is a major GHG emission-er, its goal would be to decrease the levels by 7%, whereas Canada need only change the levels by 6% (2b). As stated in the written text of the protocol, any the country can decrease emissions by increasing energy efficiency; researching, promoting, and developing alternative energy sources; taking measures to decrease energy emissions of businesses; and other such actions to decrease emissions.
The group will continue to meet to discuss the advancements made by each country and offer up encouraging advice to other countries which are struggling to meet the requirements.
6 comments:
The steps made by the Kyoto Protocol have made is very forward thinking. However, from articles that I have read, the Kyoto Protocol has many loop holes and is not making that much of a difference in the global impact. Do you know how the Kyoto Protocol is enforced and to what extent?
Charlie, great job! I find your topic very interesting. I like the fact that your topic is more historical and not so scientific; it ties the two together well. What is your thoughts on the protocl? Have you found that it has been sucessful? Great Job!
Has the United States or Australia ever released a statement as to why they refuse to sign the protocol? Also, when must these countries complete the agreement by and do they all seem to be headed for success?
This is a great (and appropriate) entry. Very informative. Are you going to discuss what the Kyoto Proctol (specifically the emission reduction) would mean to the U.S.?
I know many American conservative and some liberal polticians feel the Protocol is too strict and unrealistic. What reasons/parts of the Protocol do they cite for having this opinion?
Do you know how much the US had decreased their GHG, and how much longer do you estimate it will take for them to reach 7%?
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