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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

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

7. 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)

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.

11. Questions/ Comments?
Thanks!