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Should the US ratify the Kyoto Treaty?

Should the US ratify the Kyoto Treaty?. Claire Capshew October 21, 2005. History of the Treaty. 1997- 160 nations meet in Kyoto, Japan Negotiations of limitations of greenhouse gases Result was the “Kyoto Protocol” Developed nations agreed to limit greenhouse emissions

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Should the US ratify the Kyoto Treaty?

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  1. Should the US ratify the Kyoto Treaty? Claire Capshew October 21, 2005

  2. History of the Treaty • 1997- 160 nations meet in Kyoto, Japan • Negotiations of limitations of greenhouse gases • Result was the “Kyoto Protocol” • Developed nations agreed to limit greenhouse emissions • United States was going to reduce by 7% in the years 2008 to 2012

  3. Kyoto Protocol • Amendment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change • If countries ratify, they agree to reduce emissions • If successful, will result in reduction of average global rise in temperature between .02º and 28º by 2050

  4. Details of the Agreement • Emissions trading • Countries that do not meet their allotted emissions amount may SELL their “extra pollution” to other countries for millions of dollars • used as an incentive to encourage countries to conserve as much as possible • Developing nations are exempt from agreement

  5. Greenhouse Gases Involved • Carbon dioxide (CO2)Methane (CH4) Nitrous oxide (N2O)Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)

  6. Strategies to Meet Goals • Restrictions on largest polluters (industry) • Reduce emissions from automobiles • Better use of renewable energy sources

  7. Current State of Affairs • As of September 2005, 156 countries had ratified • Total of 61% of global emissions! • United States and Australia have not ratified • Almost all industrialized countries have • All of EU (European Union) • Russia (closely watched “swing” country)

  8. United States and the Treaty • 1998- Al Gore “symbolically” signed the treaty, but it is not officially passed • 2001- George Bush announces his plans not to ratify the treaty • Announced an alternative plan • In reality, this plan, instead of reducing emissions, results in a 30% increase • 25% of world pollution, but only 4% of population

  9. Hurt “industry” Not effective Unnecessary Bush is only thinking of oil industry Alternate plan is even less effective- raises emissions instead of lowering Global warming is occurring Arguments Against/Counter Arguments

  10. Why should we ratify? • Global warming is now in process • Prevention of devastating climate changes • Act as a world leader- or at least live up to responsibilities • There aren’t other planets!! • Take care of the one we have.

  11. Questions/ Comments? • Thanks!

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