Kyoto Protocol By: Lloyd Kang

What is the Kyoto Protocol The major feature of the Kyoto Protocol is that it sets binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions .These amount to an average of five per cent against 1990 levels over the five-year period 2008-2012. (unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/) The Kyoto protocol first started in Japan in December 11 1997and began gaining momentum in 2005. The Kyoto protocol was first created to combat the rising CO2 in industrialized countries .

Is the Kyoto Protocol national? The Kyoto protocol is a national organization was first signed by 37 different countries but over the years it’s members grew. Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize

Pros and Cons According to the Kyoto protocol each country has a specific amount of CO2 emission. The Kyoto Protocol gave penalties to countries who overexert their emission level. The protocol also provides a mechanism by which carbon production units can be traded. It also provides exceptions, or surplus carbon units for 3rd world and developing nations. Cons: The Kyoto protocol requires a change in energy sources that are very costly and even worse for the environment then conventional fossil fuels. Examples: For example, hydro-electric power is expensive (large initial outlay) and it turns thousands of acres of vital habitat into a lake. Nuclear is also extremely expensive, and does have some environmental risks. The carbon credit trading has also caused an environmental catastrophe in the 3rd world countries that were supposed to benefit from it. Do not be mistaken, those 3rd world governments do receive a hefty sum of cash, but they do it at the cost of their people and their environment. For example, the Kyoto Protocol recognizes eucalyptus plantations (and other forest plantations) as a carbon sink, but it does not recognize forest preservation as a sink. The result is that 3rd world countries are destroying rain forests to create plantations which they can use for carbon credit trading. They also frequently chase peasant farmers off of their lands without compensation for the same purpose. (Wike)

How is the Kyoto protocol set up and what are the penalties? The Kyoto protocol is set up in 3 mechanisms Emission trading -Clean Development Mechanisms -Joint Implantation Under Kyoto protocols, country’s CO2 emissions are closely watched and reported if the CO2 emission level is too high. - Reporting is done by parties who reveal there national CO2 levels. -Compliance is done between Parties in order to address issues of high leveled CO2 levels. The Kyoto Protocol, like the Convention, is also designed to assist countries in adapting to the adverse effects of climate change. It facilitates the development and deployment of techniques that can help increase resilience to the impacts of climate change. - Adaptation fund was established in order to help developing countries form into the Kyoto protocols.