The Kyoto Protocol
What is the Kyoto Protocol?
Most of us have heard of the Kyoto Protocol. It's the international agreement setting targets for industrialised countries' to cut their greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to slow global warming. The agreement was initially signed in 1997 but to come into force, it had to be ratified by industrialised nations that together were producing 55% of the world's greenhouse gases.
Although some 30 countries signed up for the Protocol, the treaty suffered a huge setback when the US, responsible for about a quarter of the world's emissions, pulled out — effectively leaving Kyoto in limbo.
Seven years after the initial agreement, the Russian parliament agreed to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on 22 October 2004. In doing so, the treaty broke the magical 55% target: with Russia's support, the treaty will finally become a reality.
Find out more about the Kyoto Protocol.
Which countries emit the most greenhouse gases?
United States of America
It probably comes as no surprise to find that the United States emits more per head and as a nation than any other country. They originally agreed to reduce emissions by 6% before pulling out of the Kyoto Protocol altogether.
President George W Bush said he would not ratify Kyoto because it would harm the US economy and he saw Kyoto as 'flawed' because it does not yet require developing countries to reduce their emissions.
US carbon dioxide emissions have increased to more than 15% above levels they were in 1990.
China
China is the world's second biggest emitter of greenhouse gases but as a developing country it isn't required to reduce its emissions. Yet.
As China houses one fifth of the world's population, increases in its emissions could make those of other industrialised countries insignificant by comparison. However, China has ratified the Kyoto Protocol and in 2004, Beijing announced plans to generate 10% of its power from renewable sources by 2010.
European Union
Fifteen European Union states signed up for the Kyoto Protocol initially but despite being among the most staunch advocates of the treaty, most of the countries haven't succeeded in lowering their emissions enough yet — in fact, many aren't anywhere near reaching their reduced emissions targets, including the UK.
Russia
By ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, Russia's involvement means the treaty will become law on 16 February 2005. On that date, carbon dioxide emissions will instantly become a commodity that can be bought or sold. Highly polluting countries can buy unused 'credit' from a country that isn't emitting its full allowance. This means Russia could effectively gain billions of dollars through emissions trading, as its emissions are currently below its Kyoto allowance.
Japan
A leading advocator of Kyoto, Japan is committed to reduce its emissions by 6%, but their emissions have also risen in recent years. Economically, Japan is in a good position to benefit from the new clean technology market.
India
Like China, India is a developing country and is therefore not obliged to cut its emissions under Kyoto. It has signed up to the treaty, however, and as it grows, India will need to decide its targets, as it could potentially emit ever-increasing levels of greenhouse gases.
Will Kyoto make a difference?
Most scientists say that while Kyoto is incredibly important, it is only scratching the surface of the global warming problem. On its own, the Protocol may not make enough of a difference and if countries emissions start to rise again after 2012, it will prevent less than 0.1° C of the warming expected by 2050.
Find out what you can do to help slow global warming.
Most of us have heard of the Kyoto Protocol. It's the international agreement setting targets for industrialised countries' to cut their greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to slow global warming. The agreement was initially signed in 1997 but to come into force, it had to be ratified by industrialised nations that together were producing 55% of the world's greenhouse gases.
Although some 30 countries signed up for the Protocol, the treaty suffered a huge setback when the US, responsible for about a quarter of the world's emissions, pulled out — effectively leaving Kyoto in limbo.
Seven years after the initial agreement, the Russian parliament agreed to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on 22 October 2004. In doing so, the treaty broke the magical 55% target: with Russia's support, the treaty will finally become a reality.
Find out more about the Kyoto Protocol.
Which countries emit the most greenhouse gases?
United States of America
It probably comes as no surprise to find that the United States emits more per head and as a nation than any other country. They originally agreed to reduce emissions by 6% before pulling out of the Kyoto Protocol altogether.
President George W Bush said he would not ratify Kyoto because it would harm the US economy and he saw Kyoto as 'flawed' because it does not yet require developing countries to reduce their emissions.
US carbon dioxide emissions have increased to more than 15% above levels they were in 1990.
China
China is the world's second biggest emitter of greenhouse gases but as a developing country it isn't required to reduce its emissions. Yet.
As China houses one fifth of the world's population, increases in its emissions could make those of other industrialised countries insignificant by comparison. However, China has ratified the Kyoto Protocol and in 2004, Beijing announced plans to generate 10% of its power from renewable sources by 2010.
European Union
Fifteen European Union states signed up for the Kyoto Protocol initially but despite being among the most staunch advocates of the treaty, most of the countries haven't succeeded in lowering their emissions enough yet — in fact, many aren't anywhere near reaching their reduced emissions targets, including the UK.
Russia
By ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, Russia's involvement means the treaty will become law on 16 February 2005. On that date, carbon dioxide emissions will instantly become a commodity that can be bought or sold. Highly polluting countries can buy unused 'credit' from a country that isn't emitting its full allowance. This means Russia could effectively gain billions of dollars through emissions trading, as its emissions are currently below its Kyoto allowance.
Japan
A leading advocator of Kyoto, Japan is committed to reduce its emissions by 6%, but their emissions have also risen in recent years. Economically, Japan is in a good position to benefit from the new clean technology market.
India
Like China, India is a developing country and is therefore not obliged to cut its emissions under Kyoto. It has signed up to the treaty, however, and as it grows, India will need to decide its targets, as it could potentially emit ever-increasing levels of greenhouse gases.
Will Kyoto make a difference?
Most scientists say that while Kyoto is incredibly important, it is only scratching the surface of the global warming problem. On its own, the Protocol may not make enough of a difference and if countries emissions start to rise again after 2012, it will prevent less than 0.1° C of the warming expected by 2050.
Find out what you can do to help slow global warming.