Kyoto Protocol The Kyoto Protocol is the international treaty that attempts to address the cross-border problem of climate change and to cut down the amount of pollution that countries produce – thereby slowing down global warming. It calls for developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by about 5% below what they were in 1990.

Social Studies Concept - TREATY Do you know what a TREATY is?

Treaty Timeline

Where is Kyoto? The Kyoto Protocol was named after the Japanese city where it was concluded in 1997.

Who is bound by the Kyoto Protocol? The Kyoto Protocol had to be signed and ratified by 55 countries (including those responsible for at least 55 percent of the developed world's 1990 carbon dioxide emissions) before it could enter into force. This was achieved after Russia ratified in late 2004, with the Protocol entering into force on 16 February 2005. New Zealand ratified on 19 December 2002. Only countries that ratify the Protocol are bound by it.

Who has ratified the Kyoto Protocol? As of September 2006, 162 states have signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol

Signed – Ratified, what’s the difference? Signing is optional, indicating intention to ratify. Ratification is the key step for a country to formally accept an international treaty What does it mean to ratify the treaty?

What is New Zealand’s target for Greenhouse Gas Emissions? The Kyoto Protocol commits New Zealand to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions back to 1990 levels, on average, over the period 2008 – 2012 or to take responsibility for any emissions above this level if it cannot meet this target.

What were New Zealand’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 1990? Figure 1 New Zealand's total greenhouse gas emissions 1990-2004 Year Gg CO2 equivalent 1990 61.51 1991 62.03 1992 63.86 1993 63.77 1994 64.17 1995 64.47 1996 65.94 1997 68.22 1998 67.18 1999 68.86 2000 70.04 2001 73.01 2002 73.47 2003 75.50 2004 74.61

The Bad News The Good News In 2004, total greenhouse gas emissions had risen by 21.3% since 1990. The Good News Net removals of CO2 through forest sinks increased from 18,977.92 Gg CO2 in 1990 to 24,482.63 Gg CO2 in 2004.

Where do our Greenhouse Gases come from? Figure 2 New Zealand's sectoral emissions in 2004 (all figures Gg CO2 equivalent) Almost 50% of our Greenhouse Gas Emissions comes from Agriculture. Followed closely by Energy production (42.4%)

How can Agriculture produce so much GAS! Figure 3 NZ Emissions from the agricultural sector in 2004 (all figures Gg CO2 equivalent) 64% of the gas produced by Agriculture comes from…….. ENTERIC FERMENTATION!!!

What is Enteric Fermentation! In a nutshell - enteric fermentation takes place in the digestive system of animals. Ruminant animals such as cows and sheep contain a rumen (a special stomach) which enable them to eat tough plants and grains that animals such as humans, dogs, and cats cannot digest. Half of our GHG emissions comes from Agriculture, and over half of this is from cows and sheep burping…...........

Enteric Fermentation occurs when Methane is produced in the rumen as microbial fermentation takes place. Most of the CH4 bi-product in these animals Is burped or belched, although a small percentage of CH4 is also produced in the large intestines and passed out as gas.

The Energy Sector Figure 4 Emissions from the energy sector: fuel combustion category in 2004 (all figures Gg CO2 equivalent) The sources contributing most to this increase since 1990 are emissions from "road transportation" and public electricity and heat production.

There has been an increase of 62% in emissions from transportation

There has been an increase of 73 There has been an increase of 73.6% in emissions from public electricity and heat production.

Who are world biggest polluters?

The Biggest Polluter Emissions from a single American state can be comparable to those of other entire countries.

Why hasn’t America ratified? Does America have a responsibility to ratify the treaty? Why do you think they have not ratified it?

Are there any other reasons!

What does this cartoon say about America’s attitude to the Kyoto Protocol?

Global warming is happening! ‘The debate is over, global warming is happening and New Zealand should be future-proofing and thinking and investing “outside the square”. Morgan Williams October 06 Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment

What is Genesis Energy doing to help? Responding proactively to climate change Genesis Energy’s climate change strategy is a comprehensive and cohesive whole-of-company response to climate change. Their goal is to responsibly manage their impact on climate change, both through their activities and emissions and through their customers and stakeholders.

Supply and demand It is all about meeting the demand of it’s customers and guaranteeing cheap, reliable electricity supply, while ensuring that they responsibly manage their impact on climate change.

Why should I care?

What can you and your family do to help? Is it possible for individuals to do anything to reduce our GHG emissions? increase energy efficiency in the home walk and ride, leave the car at home expect more of your Government expect more of your electricity providers plant a tree use less packaging GET EDUCATED!