| Kyoto and the long road to reducing emissions |
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Despite outright rejection by the Bush administration, the Kyoto treaty came into force this week. Altogether 128 member states have ratified the protocol to reduce greenhouse emissions over the next 7 years to levels below those of 1990.
The USA is currently the world's top polluter, accounting for about 24 per cent of global fossil fuel-related carbon dioxide emissions, twice as high as China the second largest emitter. Amongst other countries, Australia, Greece, Italy and Poland have also failed to sign the treaty. With the USA backing out of the accord in 1991, it was essential that Russia entered the agreement to ensure that it was ratified by nations that account for at least 55% of global greenhouse emissions. Fortunately Russia did so in November 2004, thereby breathing life back into the treaty. Understandably there is still much concern about how effective the treaty will be, given the USA's non-compliance and fact that the target requires only a small reduction of 5.2% by 2012. Although this seems a minor reduction many countries may struggle to reach the target. For example, Canada’s emissions have increased by 20% since 1990 and although they were one of the first signatories to the treaty, they have no clear plans for reaching the Kyoto targets. According to Tony Jupiter, Friends of the Earth, “The Kyoto Accord entering into force is a key landmark on the long road to reducing emissions” he added that "It is not sufficient, but it is necessary” UN Secretary Kofi Annan said in a video message to a celebratory ceremony in the Japanese capital of Kyoto “By itself, the Protocol will not save humanity from the dangers of climate change” Mr. Annan went on to highlight the need for governments to strive further and faster in order to have any significant impact on global warning "I call on the world community to be bold, to adhere to the Kyoto Protocol, and to act quickly in taking the next steps. There is no time to loose" Many governments in the developed world, some of whom have signed up to the accord, have argued that reducing emissions would damage their economic interests. However, scientific consensus is clear - global warming is one of the greatest threats currently facing the planet. Whilst the race for economic superiority in developed countries continues, the effects of global warming are already apparent with the significant increase in both global temperatures and devastating weather conditions around the world. The economic (and social) costs of these are often huge, especially in developing countries and small island states. It is clear that if the Kyoto agreement is to be effective, governments must stop concentrating on securing their short term economic interests and instead pursue global economic interests for the medium to long term, for the benefit of future generations. Without sustained global cooperation and the political will for governments to follow though on emission reduction targets, ecological and thereby economic and social disaster, may soon follow. Rajesh Makwana is the Director of Share The World’s Resources (www.stwr.org), an NGO campaigning for global economic and social justice. He can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Copyright 2006 Share The World's Resources (www.stwr.org)Sources: UN
UN News Centre BBC
Kyoto Protocol comes into force
Giant leaps needed post-Kyoto
EU leads Kyoto 'carbon revolution'
If you would like a more detailed overview of the issues related to consuming fossil fuels, STWR have a free short tutorial which can be found at our E-Learning Center: http://www.stwr.org.uk/education/
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