Kyoto hangs in the balance
Why?
Why are we talking about Kyoto now? Because the fate of a UN resolution to reduce the world's greenhouse gas emissions will be decided at a summit next week in Durban, South Africa. The so-called Kyoto Protocol is due to expire next year. The question is whether countries will agree to extend their commitments on curbing greenhouse gases.
What?
What is the Kyoto Protocol? The protocol requires rich nations to reduce their overall emissions of greenhouse gases by at least 5 per cent by next year compared to 1990 levels. As many as 37 developed economies promised to do so.
When?
When was it signed? The Kyoto Protocol takes its name from the Japanese city where it was signed in 1997 after 30 months of intense negotiations. It was the main achievement of a UN forum on climate change in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. It was finally implemented in 2005 after much foot-dragging by some nations like Russia.
Who?
Who signed it? The protocol has been approved by 192 states, plus the European Union. The United States signed the agreement, but refuses to formally approve it.
How?
How effective has it been? In March 2001, the protocol was almost wrecked when then US president George W. Bush abandoned the pact. He said it was unfair and too costly for the US economy. Developing countries - including serious emitters like China, Indonesia and Brazil - were not assigned specific reduction targets by the protocol. Yet, by 2009, they accounted for 54 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions. The US accounted for just 18 per cent. The prospects for a new deal are slim.
