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07/08/2003
Think-tank says alternative needed to 'flawed' Kyoto approach
The Kyoto approach is flawed and future international climate policy must use a radically different approach based on social justice and science, according to research published today by the Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr) think-tank.
The paper argues that global agreements on a safe level of global greenhouse gas emissions and convergence to equal ownership of the atmosphere "are necessary to cut global warming".
The ippr paper states: "The Kyoto Protocol is an important first step, but even with full implementation it shows no sign of delivering the drastic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions that scientists call for. Kyoto delivers only a one to two per cent cut in emissions from industrial nations while total global emissions will increase by 70 per cent. The Protocol is based on horse-trading between nations, not fair shares of emissions rights, and two major industrial nations, America and Australia, have opted out."
The think-tank call for a new approach comes as Kyoto members prepare to begin a review of the adequacy of existing commitments at the UN climate summit this December in Milan.
Tony Grayling, ippr associate director, said: “Kyoto will not stop climate change. The next international climate change negotiations must agree on a safe level of emissions in the long term and fair shares between nations.
"In practice, this should mean contraction of global emissions and convergence towards equal per capita emissions rights. This approach also has a better chance of bringing America, Australia and the developing nations on board."
(GMcG)
The paper argues that global agreements on a safe level of global greenhouse gas emissions and convergence to equal ownership of the atmosphere "are necessary to cut global warming".
The ippr paper states: "The Kyoto Protocol is an important first step, but even with full implementation it shows no sign of delivering the drastic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions that scientists call for. Kyoto delivers only a one to two per cent cut in emissions from industrial nations while total global emissions will increase by 70 per cent. The Protocol is based on horse-trading between nations, not fair shares of emissions rights, and two major industrial nations, America and Australia, have opted out."
The think-tank call for a new approach comes as Kyoto members prepare to begin a review of the adequacy of existing commitments at the UN climate summit this December in Milan.
Tony Grayling, ippr associate director, said: “Kyoto will not stop climate change. The next international climate change negotiations must agree on a safe level of emissions in the long term and fair shares between nations.
"In practice, this should mean contraction of global emissions and convergence towards equal per capita emissions rights. This approach also has a better chance of bringing America, Australia and the developing nations on board."
(GMcG)
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Kyoto treaty comes into force
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Russia's backing of Kyoto Protocols welcomed by UN
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Russia's backing of Kyoto Protocols welcomed by UN
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UK on course to meet Kyoto targets
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