The Kyoto Protocol assigns limitations on the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases on countries ratifying the treaty. The Kyoto Protocol's primary objective is the “stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system” (Article 2 of The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).This agreement requires developed countries to allot billions of dollars to developing countries by supplying technology or sponsoring studies and projects on climate-related concerns.
Why is it so controversial in the U.S. and how could its provisions be achieved in the U.S. without significant economic impact?President Bush did not only refuse to submit this for ratification to Congress, but also considers this agreement as flawed and unrealistic.
He emphasized how flawed and unrealistic the targets of the Protocol are and how countries cannot meet their targets in due time as these were not based on science.“For America, complying with those mandates would have a negative economic impact, with layoffs of workers and price increases for consumers. And when you evaluate all these flaws, most reasonable people will understand that it's not sound public policy” (Pres. Bush, June 11, 2001).Bush's administration is engaging its efforts to advancement of science and research on climate change, monitoring and reducing greenhouse gases, and making partnerships with other countries to achieve the same principles without any binding rules and enforcements.
Instead of lessening the release of these gases (which cannot be avoided by industrial activities with current technology), the government of America is proposing a study and research on how to capture these gases once they are emitted.Promising research reveals great progress in developing cost-effective technologies that will capture carbon emissions at their very source.References:Article 2. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. http://unfccc.int/essential_background/convention/background/items/1353.
php. Date accessed: September 16, 2007.Kyoto Protocol: Status of Ratification, 10 July 2006. UNFCC.
http://unfccc.int/files/essential_background/kyoto_protocol/application/pdf/kpstats.pdf. Date accessed: September 16, 2007.United States Country Analysis Brief.
US Energy Information Administration (2005). http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Usa/Full.
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