A Look at the Kyoto Protocol
Examining the effectiveness of the protocol as a solution for future climate change with an evaluation of the effect
of the United States’ refusal to join
Michael Phillips and Luke Schiferl
Goals of the Kyoto Protocol
Annex 1 countries must collectively reduce GHG emissions to 5% below 1990 levels
Part of UNFCCC Carbon Credit Trading Treaty will be effective until 2012, at which
time a new treaty shall be in place
Setup
Three Runs:
1. Successful Kyoto
2. Kyoto Never Exists
3. Kyoto Without United States
1
2
3
Relative Effectiveness of Kyoto
Kyoto Compared to Today
Relative Effect of U.S. Not Joining
Effect Compared to Today
Summary
Kyoto is beneficial
Is not strong enough
Is not a long term solution
Needs full compliance
Is not enforceable
Keys to Future Success
More stringent regulations
Must have global compliance
Must remain short term
Must be reviewed
Must be enforceable
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