A Look at the Kyoto Protocol Examining the effectiveness of the protocol as a solution for future climate change with an evaluation of the effect of the United States’ refusal to join Michael Phillips and Luke Schiferl
Goals of the Kyoto Protocol Annex 1 countries must collectively reduce GHG emissions to 5% below 1990 levels Part of UNFCCC Carbon Credit Trading Treaty will be effective until 2012, at which time a new treaty shall be in place
Setup Three Runs: 1.Successful Kyoto 2.Kyoto Never Exists 3.Kyoto Without United States 1 2 3
Relative Effectiveness of Kyoto
Kyoto Compared to Today
Relative Effect of U.S. Not Joining
Effect Compared to Today
Summary Kyoto is beneficial Is not strong enough Is not a long term solution Needs full compliance Is not enforceable
Keys to Future Success More stringent regulations Must have global compliance Must remain short term Must be reviewed Must be enforceable