The Kyoto Protocol
Reaching Global Agreements 1997
What is the Kyoto Protocol?
■ A global Agreement that set targets for
reducing greenhouse gas emissions
■ 175 countries signed up
■ Industrialized countries
to cut emissions to 5%
below 1990 levels by
2008/12
■ Had varying targets EU
by 8% and Japan 5%
(It is a lower polluter)
■ Share of CO2
Emission in 1990
Problems
■ Some delayed in signing up to Kyoto such as
Russia who signed in 2004
■ Some still have not. Australia the world’s 2nd
largest polluter per capita.
■ USA initially signed but then withdrew in
2001 following GW Bush’s election (USA
emit 25% of world emissions)
■ Overall most Industrialized countries such as UK cut
emissions to 3% below 1990 by 2000
■ UN reckons it will emit 10% ABOVE 1990 levels by 2010
■ The EU will meet its target France, Sweden
and UK did
■ Spain, Portugal and Ireland have made no
progress.
■ Many scientists believe Kyoto targets are far
to low and believe not 5% but 60% is
necessary.
Implications for the UK
■ Renewable energy policy of 10% of electricity is
near to target yet unlikely to reach it as a whole
■ Government has taxed petrol to help curb
demand. Protests have followed and are likely to
continue.
■ Big reductions can only be met by moving to
nuclear however this brings it’s own set of issues
So what for the future?
■ Renewable energy can only supply 10-15% of
the UK’s energy needs
■ Must replace coal fired with nuclear power
stations
■ Building nuclear power plants takes time
Problems
■ Unfortunately these rely on removing plants
from the planet thus removing a carbon sink
and need to be followed by mass replanting
schemes
■ Growing biofuels reduces the land available
to grow food
Reducing Our Carbon footprint
■ Individuals can make a difference
■ Turn lights out
■ Don’t leave on ‘Stand-by’
■ Walk or ride rather than drive
■ Take the bus or public transport
■ Get eco friendly washing machines, fridges
etc
■ Together it can make a difference.
Key Features
■ Increased global flood risk
■ Fall in crop yields especially Africa due to
climate shifts
■ Rising sea levels effecting 200m people
■ Extinction of 40% of earth’s species due to
destruction of coral reefs
Economic Impacts
■ More extreme weather leads to increased
costs equal to 1% of GDP
■ 2-3oC rise in temps reducing global economic
output by 3%
■ Poor countries ability to cope would be
reduced with lack of basics like water
UK Government Response
■ Set targets to reduce emissions by 30% by
2020 and 60% by 2050
■ Pass laws on carbon reduction targets
■ Invest in green technology creating 100,00
new jobs
■ Create a $20 billion World Bank Fund to
help poorer countries
Sustainable Energy
■ Wind
■ Wave
■ Water
■ Solar
■ These account for only 2% of world
electricity production
Costs
■ It would be very expensive to shift to these
power sources
■ Governments do not like to reduce national
income
■ Growth that is fossil fuel driven needs to end
A PPT by ADVAITH SEETHARAAMAN
SOURCE:GOOGLE ANDAVAR…
