Time for Action, Not Hot Air

In the Open Democracy Blog Michael Grubb writes:

Kyoto is the only foundation for global action on climate change, but
governments must now start using the tools it provides.

The Kyoto Protocol is reatified by more than 140 countries. Among the rich countries it is only USA and Australia who are against it, though it now seems like Australia intends to meet its Kyoto target and to participate in future negotiations. Nor should Russia’s decision finally to bring it into force have been a surprise. Russia had reasons to prevaricate but never to reject it.

One of the main reasons for the survival of the Kyoto Protocol is George Bush's lack of a better alternative. Kyoto’s fundamental premise is that countries should tackle climate change by negotiating a core of national targets for emission reductions. It sounds sensible, and it is: after four years, and numerous discussions, credible alternatives remain elusive.

Let us therefore hope for the implementation of the common goals set in the Kyoto Protocol in order to reduce the emissions and improve energy efficiency. The energy savings will then probably outweigh the initial costs required after very few years.