Free Economics Dissertations - The Kyoto Protocol, Agreed In December 1997, Was Designed To Address This
The Kyoto Protocol, agreed in December 1997, was designed to address this issue. Developed (Annex 1) countries agreed to targets that will reduce their overall emissions of a basket of six greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride) by 5.2% below 1990 levels over the period 2008-2012. The Kyoto Protocol is the first treaty of its kind to impose legally binding targets on countries, and differentiates between different Parties to the Convention. Only annex 1 countries have legally binding emissions reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol. For example, the European Union and its member states agreed to a reduction of emissions from 1990 levels of -8%, the United States to -7%, Japan to -6%, Russia and the Ukraine to return to 1990 levels, and Australia was allowed an 8% increase.
Under the Kyoto Protocol, the European Union and its Member States have agreed to meet their commitments jointly. This 'bubble' arrangement allows the EU's target to be redistributed between member states to reflect their national circumstances, requirements for economic growth, and the scope for further emission reductions. In June 1998, under the UK Presidency of the EU, environment ministers agreed how the target should be shared out. The UK agreed to reduce its emissions by 12.5%, which is its legally binding target under the Kyoto Protocol. Targets for other member states ranged from -21% for Germany and Denmark, to -6% for the Netherlands, +13% for Ireland and +27% for Portugal. Most developed countries believe that the targets they agreed at Kyoto are demanding. In many cases, their emissions are forecast to be significantly higher than 1990 levels in 2010.
In the Draft UK Climate Change Programme, the Committee noted that, "Climate change is perceived by Governments as a serious threat" (para 1), and that "we recognise that the subject of climate change is a controversial one, both scientifically and politically. The Committee took no evidence as to whether or not climate change exists, nor if it does to what it is attributable. Some witnesses told us of their doubts about the existence or likely scale of climate change and we acknowledge the problems posed by such an issue, where science has not yet provided definitive answers to some critical questions. This study starts from the presumption that climate change may be occurring, and that it may be partially at least attributable to emissions resulting from human activity." (para 4).
Whilst the UK Government retains overall responsibility for the Kyoto Protocol target, the devolved regions control the means by which emissions can be reduced. In moving towards a more sustainable, lower carbon economy, the value of an integrated transport network with fewer car journeys is deemed extremely high.
Dissertations - Free Economics Dissertations
