Should the US ratify the Kyoto Treaty? Claire Capshew October 21, 2005

History of the Treaty 1997- 160 nations meet in Kyoto, Japan Negotiations of limitations of greenhouse gases Result was the “Kyoto Protocol” Developed nations agreed to limit greenhouse emissions United States was going to reduce by 7% in the years 2008 to 2012

Kyoto Protocol Amendment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change If countries ratify, they agree to reduce emissions If successful, will result in reduction of average global rise in temperature between .02º and 28º by 2050

Details of the Agreement Emissions trading Countries that do not meet their allotted emissions amount may SELL their “extra pollution” to other countries for millions of dollars used as an incentive to encourage countries to conserve as much as possible Developing nations are exempt from agreement

Greenhouse Gases Involved Carbon dioxide (CO2) Methane (CH4) Nitrous oxide (N2O) Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)

Strategies to Meet Goals Restrictions on largest polluters (industry) Reduce emissions from automobiles Better use of renewable energy sources

Current State of Affairs As of September 2005, 156 countries had ratified Total of 61% of global emissions! United States and Australia have not ratified Almost all industrialized countries have All of EU (European Union) Russia (closely watched “swing” country)

United States and the Treaty 1998- Al Gore “symbolically” signed the treaty, but it is not officially passed 2001- George Bush announces his plans not to ratify the treaty Announced an alternative plan In reality, this plan, instead of reducing emissions, results in a 30% increase 25% of world pollution, but only 4% of population

Arguments Against/Counter Arguments Hurt “industry” Not effective Unnecessary Bush is only thinking of oil industry Alternate plan is even less effective- raises emissions instead of lowering Global warming is occurring

Why should we ratify? Global warming is now in process Prevention of devastating climate changes Act as a world leader- or at least live up to responsibilities There aren’t other planets!! Take care of the one we have.

Questions/ Comments? Thanks!