Adapted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto_Protocol

Kyoto Protocol

The objective of the Kyoto protocol is the "stabilization of greenhouse gas ... in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous [human] interference with the climate system."

As of June 2007, 175 countries had ratified the Protocol. Exceptions include the United States and Australia . Of these, 36 countries and Europe are required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One hundred thirty seven countries just need to report emissions.

The Kyoto Protocol is an agreement made under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) . Countries that ratify this protocol commit to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases.

This treaty expires in 2012, and international talks began in May 2007 on a future treaty to succeed the current one.

The Kyoto Protocol now covers more than 160 countries globally and more than 60% of countries in terms of global greenhouse gas emissions. This treaty expires in 2012, and international talks began in May 2007 on a future treaty to succeed the current one. greenhouse gas emissions.

Australia

The Australian Prime Minister, John Howard , has declined to ratify the Agreement and has argued that the protocol would reduce Australians' jobs due to countries with booming economies and massive populations such as China and India not having any reduction obligations. Mr. Howard says that Australia is already doing enough to cut emissions; the Australian government has recently pledged $300 million over the next three years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

People's Republic of China

In 2004 the total greenhouse gas emissions from the People's Republic of China were about 54% of the U.S.'s emissions. However, China is now building many new coal-fired power plants.

Because China has population control measures while maintaining low emissions per capita, it claims it should therefore in both of the above aspects be considered a contributor to the world's environment.

In June of 2007, China promised to put climate change at the center of its energy policies but insisted that developed countries should lead on cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

European Union

The 15-members European Union produces about 22% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The EU has consistently supported the Kyoto Protocol.

Germany

Germany has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 17.2% between 1990 and 2004.

United Kingdom (England + Scotland + Northern Ireland + Wales)

The energy policy of the United Kingdom fully supports the Kyoto Protocol. The UK currently appears on course to meet its Kyoto limitation of greenhouse gases

France

In 1990, France closed its last coal mine, and now gets 80% of its electricity from nuclear power and therefore has relatively low CO 2 emissions.

India

Russia

The Kyoto accord was brought into force 90 days after Russian ratification because Russia was the 55th country to sign on November 18, 2004.

Since 1990 the economies of most countries in the former Soviet Union have collapsed, as have their greenhouse gas emissions. Because of this, Russia should have no problem meeting its commitments under Kyoto, as its current emission levels are substantially below its limitations.

The United States

The United States has neither ratified nor withdrawn from the Protocol. The United States was, as of 2005, the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels.

Before the Kyoto Protocol was finalized the U.S. Senate voted for a statement that the United States should not sign any protocol that did not include targets for developing as well as industrialized nations or "would result in serious harm to the economy of the United States". The Clinton Administration never submitted the protocol to the Senate for ratification because there was no chance it would pass.

The current President, George W. Bush , has indicated that he does not intend to submit the treaty for ratification because of the exemption granted to China. Bush also opposes the treaty because he thinks it would hurt the economy. He also does not agree with many scientists that climate change is definitely happening.

Change in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 to 2004