Kyoto Treaty and Global Warming

Essay by eltintorojoHigh School, 10th gradeA, February 2007

download word file, 3 pages 5.0

Downloaded 70 times

Global Warming is a growing problem in our world today. The amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases have been skyrocketing over the past few years, causing the earth's average temperatures to rise. At first, it was believed to only be a theory and a myth but over time, scientists have been able to prove that greenhouse gases have been affecting the environment and if it is not kept in-check, it could cause worldwide catastrophes. Also, it would throw off the ecosystem. Because of this, certain plans were trying to be brought into effect. One of which, would be the Kyoto Treaty.

The Kyoto Treaty was a plan created by the Japanese in order to regulate and decrease the amount of carbon dioxide that each country produces. In other words, it was created as "the last, best chance to save the world from the "time bomb" of global warming" (CBC).

Another part of the protocol was to have the 'Limitation and/or reduction of methane emissions through recovery and use in waste management, as well as in the production, transport and distribution of energy' (Treaty). The plan was first negotiated on December 11th, 1997. Though it was open for signing on March 16th, 1998 it wouldn't go into effect until February 16th, 2005. By that time, a hundred and sixty-nine countries had signed the treaty.

When these countries signed the treaty, they agreed for "industrialised countries will reduce their collective emissions of greenhouse gases by 5.2% compared to the year 1990 (but note that, compared to the emissions levels that would be expected by 2010 without the Protocol, this target represents a 29% cut)" (Wikipedia). In other words, they agreed for their companies to produce 5.2% less carbon dioxide than they did in 1990. However, by doing this, it...