For over a decade, ratification and implementation of the Kyoto Protocol to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change seemed like an elusive goal. Politicians and scientists from around the world clashed, negotiated, and eventually reached agreement on a plan for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which was ratified as a treaty on February 16 of this year [2005]. Kyoto's lofty goals are turning out to be nearly impossible to achieve. Many European Union countries are struggling to meet their emissions targets; easy domestic solutions have turned out be very few. Japan had hoped to meet its Kyoto requirements by greatly increasing its nuclear power generation capacity but this now seems highly unlikely.
The long-term effects of the treaty's ratification are nearly impossible to gauge, as three of the largest sources of GHG emissions are not covered: the United States never ratified it and China and India, considered to be developing countries, are not affected.
To set these developments in perspective, four RFF experts explain the technical, economic, and political obstacles that lie ahead. To learn more about RFF's extensive work in the climate change area.
The last issue of Resources, Winter 2005, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding key energy options.
What Follows Kyoto?
Business Planning in a Post-Kyoto World: For U.S. Firms, Which End Is Up?
Is There a Role for the United States to Play in Future Climate Negotiations? Maybe.
What Is the United States Doing About Climate Change? Everyone Else Is Coping with Kyoto
A version of this article appeared in print in the Spring 2005 issue of Resources magazine.
