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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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The Kyoto Protocol on global warming comes into effect today, seven years after it was agreed. The treaty, which has been signed by 141 countries across the world, became legally binding at midnight, New York time (05:00 GMT), today.
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Climate conference starts in Exeter
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Climate conference starts in Exeter
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South east tops UK chart for household greenhouse gas emissions
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South east tops UK chart for household greenhouse gas emissions
Residents in the south east of England were the greatest generator of household greenhouse gases in 2001, according to new statistics. The article in Economic Trends, published today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), found that households in the region were responsible for 94.6 million tonnes or 15% of the household total of 612.
30 September 2004
Russia's backing of Kyoto Protocols welcomed by UN
The head of the UN environment agency has welcomed the Russian government’s endorsement of the Kyoto Protocol regulating emissions linked to climate change. Moscow’s ratification would bring the pact one step closer to enforcement and “breathe new life” into the international climate negotiations that resume in December in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Russia's backing of Kyoto Protocols welcomed by UN
The head of the UN environment agency has welcomed the Russian government’s endorsement of the Kyoto Protocol regulating emissions linked to climate change. Moscow’s ratification would bring the pact one step closer to enforcement and “breathe new life” into the international climate negotiations that resume in December in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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UK on course to meet Kyoto targets
The UK is on course to meet its Kyoto greenhouse gas emissions target, according to a report published today by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The team of international experts found that the UK had reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 12.
UK on course to meet Kyoto targets
The UK is on course to meet its Kyoto greenhouse gas emissions target, according to a report published today by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The team of international experts found that the UK had reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 12.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
