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What is being done: The Kyoto Protocol

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was formed with the  “…ultimate objective of stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system (UNEP 2002)”.

By not stating a value for the concentration of greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere, the objective recognises the scientific uncertainty surrounding the knowledge of climate change. As knowledge advances the convention can become more specific with its objectives, as it is believed that it will take at least another decade to significantly reduce uncertainties. The convention calls for adaptation and prevention together to enable “sustainable development”, which means that economic development must take place at a rate that can be maintained for a long period of time. This involves not using resources faster than they can be replaced, and so conserving the natural environment.

The Kyoto Protocol was established in 1997 and builds on principles laid out by the UNFCCC. It is thought to be” …the most far-reaching agreement on environment and sustainable development ever adopted (UNFCC 2002).” Its aim is to develop a firm commitment by developed countries to start to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and set about changing the way they use energy. The protocol sets a target for cutting developed country emissions by at least 5% collectively, and governments by 2005 should have made progress towards this goal. It includes the six major greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons (HFC’s), perfluorocarbons (PFC’s), and sulphur hexaflouride (SF₆). CO₂ emissions are created by fuel combustion, and methane by rice cultivation, domesticated animals, and waste treatment methods. Nitrous oxide is emitted as a product of fertilizer, and HFC’s PFC’s and SF₆ are industrial gases.

So far, efforts have been concentrated on CO₂ reduction, which accounts for approximately four fifths of total greenhouse gas emissions by developed countries. It is also the easiest gas to measure and monitor. Nitrous oxide and methane emissions in developed countries are stable or declining. Chlorofluorocarbons are not included in the protocol as covered by the 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. If governments or businesses cut emissions more than legislation requires them to, the excess can be banked as carbon credits, which can either be sold or banked for future use. Although developing countries are not subject to any of the targets or legislation of the protocol they are expected to help address the problem of climate change, and take steps to slow their rate of emission increase (UNEP, 2002).

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