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Exploring The Kyoto Protocol and Global Warming

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In December 1997, the U.S. government tentatively agreed at a United Nations meeting in Kyoto, Japan, to reduce nationwide emissions of greenhouse gasses by 7 percent below 1990 levels. This goal would be achieved by reducing the combustion of fossil fuels sufficiently to diminish emission levels in 2010 to 41 percent below where they would end up at current rates of emission growth. Although any estimates of the overall economic effects of the agreement are fraught with uncertainties, economists estimated that abiding by the agreement could reduce U.S. GDP growth by as much as 2.5 percent per year. As a result, President Bush announced in March of 2001 that the U.S. would not sign and ratify the treaty.

Regarding current information on GLOBAL WARMING & the KOYOTA PROTOCOL. Was this the right decision?

(I am having trouble finding information on Global Warming & the Koyota Protocol, I realize this is an opinionated question, but perhaps seeing your take on this I can establish the pros and cons) (Please provide any links that would be helpful)

Thank you for your help

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Solution Summary

The solution clarifies several debates and concepts behind the idea of the Kyoto Protocol in relation to the problem of Global Warming as seen and tackled by the ineterntional community. It explores the US debate behind the principles laid down by the UN in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan.

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Whether or not President Bush's announcement that the USG (United States Government) would not ratify the Kyoto Protocol is a matter of opinion. Essentially, any country that signs onto Kyoto is going to have numerous issues to deal with because reducing GHGs (greenhouse gases) to below 1990 levels is, to say the least, very challenging. On the other hand, even if the USG doesn't sign on, it can still work on its own, unilaterally, to reduce GHGs. This may be the smart thing to do. It all has to do with the intent of the American people and the USG in particular.

Of course, since the U.S.A. is a massive consumer of fossil fuels, any attempt to reduce emissions will be difficult for most of the GHG emissions comes from the combustion of fossil fuels, i.e. ...

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