How realistic is International agreement on GHG Emissions?

Montreal Protocol CFCs identified as causing hole in the ozone layer 1987 – Montreal protocol signed Original target was 50% cut of 100 gases in 12 years Actually achieved 100% in 10 years

Why Not GHG Emissions? As you watch the video: What is the big disagreement between developed and developing countries regarding cutting GHG emissions? What does the video show as the biggest problem at the end?

The Kyoto Protocol Signed December 19th 1997 Committed countries to individual targets Minimum of reducing CO2 5% from 1990 levels 2008 - 2012

Kyoto Rationale Placed main burden on developed than developing Developed more able to pay costs Developed done more historical damage

Carbon Trading Given legitimacy by inclusion in Kyoto Established EU Emission Trading scheme Countries given ‘cap’ on greenhouse emissions linked to meeting Kyoto Able to trade carbon credits on open market Market decides prices

Carbon Offsetting Available at Individual and Business level Allows people to buy clean carbon credits Offsets their emissions and reduces footprint Controversial because of variable quality of offset Average price is $10 a tonne

Kyoto Failure Governments of US, Australia and Canda failed to ratify Toothless - no penalties for non compliance Voluntary not binding targets

Some Questions Is an international treaty the right way to reduce emissions? What alternatives are there? Should targets be binding or voluntary? How enforce these targets?

Current Targets Canada – 30% below 2005 levels in 2030 17% cut since 1990 Initially not tar sands but now changed $50 a tonne carbon tax by 2022 EU – 40% cut 1990 levels by 2030 November 2014 – China – US deal China peak by 2030 US cut 28% below 2005 by 2025 G7 – “decarbonise the global economy” End all fossil fuel use by 2100

COP 21 – Paris 2015 As you watch the video: What commitment was made by 100 cities at the COP 21 Conference. What hard target was Established? What soft target was aimed for?

Devil in the detail? No specific national targets Nations decide own targets and how reach them Submit in 2018 and update very 5 years Not binding and no punishment Needs to be ratified by 55 countries with 55% of global emissions