Can humanity stop climate change?
Kyoto Protocol
In purpose of strengthening developed countries obligations on UN Framework Convention on climate change at Third Conference of Parties of UNFCCC in Kyoto, 1997, the UNFCCC Kyoto Protocol was accepted. The main aim of the Protocol is reducing GHG emission to the atmosphere.
According to Kyoto Protocol for 39 industrial developed countries of the Annex I of the Convention, the UNFCCC encourages these countries to stabilize emissions. The Protocol will commit them to reducing their collective emissions by at least 5 % in comparison with 1990 level during 2008-2012.
The Protocol addresses six main GHGs: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).
At present time Kyoto Protocol has been signed by 84 countries, including developed countries, and ratificated by 141 countries (February, 2, 2005 condition). The Protocol was in force on February, 16, 2005 after its ratification by Russian Federation, when necessary amount of countries, accounting for at least 55% of developed countries emissions have ratified it.
Inquiry:
USA share of GHG emissions of developed countries - 36, 1%,
EU – 30%,
Russia – 17, 4%,
Japan – 8, 5%,
Australia and New Zealand – 2, 3%,
Canada – 3, 3%.
EU – 30%,
Russia – 17, 4%,
Japan – 8, 5%,
Australia and New Zealand – 2, 3%,
Canada – 3, 3%.
Obligations on GHG emission reduce are individual for each country, for example: Hungary, Japan and Poland have to lower emissions on 6 %, US on 7%, EU – on 8%. New Zealand, Russian Federation and Ukraine are to stabilize their emissions and not exceed 1990 level, while Australia may increase emissions by up to 8%, Island by up to 10% and Norway 1% according to 1990 level. But Australia and US declared that they would not ratificated the Protocol, in order of obligations may cause economic damage.
Kyoto Protocol has made a great influence on society’s perception of climate change problem, even in countries, which refused its ratification. Partly it is because of the Protocol being in the attraction centre of world society.
27-04-2006
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Kyoto Protocol