The world’s primary international agreement on combating climate change is the Kyoto Protocol (1997). The Kyoto Protocol is an amendment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Countries that have ratified this protocol have committed to reducing their emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, or engage in emissions trading if they maintain or increase emissions of these gases. (Emissions trading allows countries to “buy” or “sell” emissions permits amongst themselves and is included in the Kyoto Protocol. It provides participating parties with the opportunity to reduce emissions where it is most cost-effective to do so).
While there is continuing debate about just how much greenhouse gas emissions warm the planet, the representatives from over 150 countries have ratified the Kyoto Protocol. However, many environmental campaigners say the actions it suggests are not enough while some major countries like the USA have argued that the cost of mitigating global warming is too large to be justified.
For a strategy to reduce greenhouse gases to work, it is recognised that international co-operation is required so that governments are able to encourage individuals and businesses to make the “right” choices. This isn’t as easy as it seems because each strategy available brings some kind of problem with it.
Strategy |
Potential Problem |
Development of new technologies
(e.g wind power, nuclear energy, solar power)
|
Renewable energy can be expensive to set up. Not all areas are suitable for all types of renewable energy. Nuclear energy is controversial –
risk of accidents & waste disposal is a problem. |
| Change use of fossil fuels from coal to oil and gas. |
New power stations would have to be built. |
| Force businesses to do lots of “Green Compliance” strategies |
If all international competitors don’t have to comply with strategies, then that business could be financially disadvantaged. |
| Control deforestation, particularly in the Rainforests. |
It is difficult to convince countries to Change forestry strategies. |
| Encourage green transport. |
Unpopular choice. |
This is why it is important for countries to consider a unified approach to reducing the impacts of global warming as it will allow governments to take the political consequences of supporting an international approach.