6/30/13Mrunal » Kyoto Protocol, Carbon Trading, Copenhagen Accord: Meaning, Explained » Print Kyoto Protocol, Carbon Trading, Copenhagen Accord: Meaning, Explained 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. What is Rio Summit/ Earth Summit ? What is the UNFCCC? What is Conference of the Parties (COP)? What is Kyoto Protocol? What is “common but differentiated responsibilities”? Annex Kyoto protocol: How does it actually work? 1. #1 Emissions Trading / Carbon Trading 2. #2 Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) 3. #3 Joint Implementation (JI) Why USA did not ratify Kyoto Protocol? Canada Quits Kyoto protocol What is the Copenhagen Accord? Important Players in climate change 1. United States 2. BASIC Countries 3. European Union (EU) 4. Alliance of Small Island State (AOSIS) 8. 9. 10. 11. What is Rio Summit/ Earth Summit ? It was a United nations summit, held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 1992. It led to creation of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) What is the UNFCCC? United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Created because of the Rio Summit/ Earth Summit of 1992. It is an international treaty for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Nearly every country on Earth is a party to the UNFCCC. What is Conference of the Parties (COP)? The nations, who’ve signed UNFCCC convention, meet every year to discuss climate change strategy. mrunal.org/2012/09/enb-kyoto.html/print/ 1/9 2012: COP will be held in Doha. but there should be some difference between the responsibility given to developed countries and developing countries. some important terms. to reduce Green house gas emission. 2011: COP held in Durban. (measured against 1990 levels) Before dwelling much into Kyoto. Therefore.6/30/13 Mrunal » Kyoto Protocol.2% by 2012.UK have already polluted the atmosphere with greenhouse gases (GHGs) through industrialization. It was here the famous Kyoto Protocol came in to existence. Carbon Trading.org/2012/09/enb-kyoto.Africa. So they’re the one who created/started global warming and all the mess. Third COP (COP 3) held in Kyoto. What is “common but differentiated responsibilities”? The developed countries such as US. So. Japan etc. the developing countries such as India. While Developing countries (India and Brazil) have started polluting the world only recently. Annex Annex means some elaboration/detail given at the end of a book/treaty.UK) should bear more responsibility in fixing this global warming mess etc. 2/9 mrunal. Copenhagen Accord: Meaning. In this meeting Kyoto Protocol was created. Kyoto Protocol follows that principle and assigns separate responsibilities to the countries. because they’re the one more responsible for it. And Developed countries (US. France. Qatar in November 2012 (so it becomes important topic for next prelims!) What is Kyoto Protocol? 1997: third meeting of UNFCC nation (also known as Conference of Parties/COP3). Explained » Print These meetings are called Conference of the Parties (COP) The first COP (COP 1) was held in Berlin.html/print/ . S. Kyoto protocol wants the Industrialised nations to reduce their green house gas emission by around 5. Japan. Annex What? Annex I List of industrialized countries and economies in transition: US. These countries had pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000. Brazil should share less of the burden of lowering overall emissions. while it is the “Common” responsibility of every nation of this world. although they are encouraged to do it. Brazil. Japan. Copenhagen Accord: Meaning. Thus. Carbon Trading. Kyoto although signed in 1997. should reduce GHG emission but not compulsory. For example USA is required to cut down its emission by 7% Annex B Back to Kyoto Protocol Ok.org/2012/09/enb-kyoto. Although various countries signed Kyoto Protocol in 1997. 4. they formed a treaty called UNFCCC The UNFCCC gangsters meets every year. Methane (CH4). Developing nations like India. Rio De Janero. China. came into force in 2005. Non Annex Developing countries like India.6/30/13 Mrunal » Kyoto Protocol. Explained » Print Annex II A sub-group of Annex 1 Countries. consumption of desi-liquor and deliberations on how to fix the global warming problem and these meetings are called Conference of Parties “COP”. there is item song. 2. mrunal. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).html/print/ 3/9 . Kyoto protocol came into force only after required number of Annex 1 Countries ratified it. 5. gun-firing. Perfluorocarbons (PFCs). will compulsorily reduce their green house gas (GHG) emission by 2012. 3. it did not came into force immediately. Brazil. Nitrous oxide (N2O). and Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) This gives the Annex I countries (Developed countries) – compulsory binding targets to reduce green house gas emission. They donot have compulsory binding targets to reduce green house gas emission. they come up with an idea under which Developed nations like US. 6. It gives the list of 6 Green House gases that are responsible for the whole problem Annex A 1. In third such COP meeting @Kyoto. these Annex II countries are required to give financial assistance and technology to the developing countries (non-Annex countries). so far we learned that In Earth Summit. So this was achieved only in 2005. Carbon dioxide (CO2). each Annex-B country is given emission target “quota” (Kyoto Units). Under Kyoto Protocol. If a family buys second car then it will have to pay higher tax (just like China’s one child policy but with cars!) if a kid is found bunking his college lecture and loitering on his motorbike then he’ll be fined for polluting the environment. so they want more. This hall serves only ‘fixed dish’ i. Australian Government should do all steps to make sure it doesn’t cross that quota for example Making compulsory anti-pollution laws: for example a Tire making company with daily output of 200 tires must not emit more than 200 tonnes of green house gas per year.e. if Australia wants to emit more green house gas.579.50. Australia can buy this 10 spare kyoto units mrunal.dal and rice. Now Champak is an old man so he cannot eat all the 4 rotis served in his plate. Abdul and Bhide are quite hungry. reducing tax on solar cells. under Emission trading system. If you want more roti then you’ll have to pay extra 5 rupees per roti. Japanese Government takes very strong steps to control emission and hence they only emit 90 units of Green House gas. On the other hand. So it has spare 10 Kyoto Units.org/2012/09/enb-kyoto. Japan was given quota of 100 units And Australia was given quota of 200 units. they take 1-1 roti each from Champak’s plate and agree to pay 5-5 rupees to him. 1 sabji.143 Kyoto units. For example.1 per MB of extra download. Kyoto Protocol allows three mechanisms to do so #1 Emissions Trading / Carbon Trading Suppose two Annex B parties are Japan and Australia. On the other side. then company will charge you Rs. worth less than or equal to 2GB then you’ll get bill of Rs. But even after all these measures. Carbon Trading. in given year. Copenhagen Accord: Meaning. He eats only two rotis.500 That means as long as you download music. Promoting solar energy. Australia’s allowed quota was 2. So first of all. as long as Australia emits that much green house gas= no problem.957. Bhide and Champak (ABC) goto a Gujarati dining hall.500 but if you download more files above 2GB quota. 4 roti. for the year 2009. Explained » Print Kyoto protocol: How does it actually work? Suppose Abdul. But Austrialian Government is unable to maintain this limit and Australia emits 210 units of green house gas. Now.html/print/ 4/9 . Another example: You know how broadband internet billing works= there are plans for example 2GB plan for Rs. then it will have to buy additional ‘quota or units’ from another country. movies etc. (each unit is equivalent to 1 ton of carbon dioxide) Now.6/30/13 Mrunal » Kyoto Protocol. wind mill equipments etc. And each dish costs Rs. Similarly. each annex B country makes law giving fixed quota to the companies. Solution =just hold down “Ctrl” Key on your keyboard and move your mouse-wheel upwards and it’ll zoom the image.html/print/ 5/9 . This Is the essence of “Carbon Trading. Explained » Print from Japan and thus remain within its limit.” Here are some charts to understand it better. Carbon Trading. In real life scenario.org/2012/09/enb-kyoto. But the text in below image is hard to read (because the original images were in low quality). mrunal. Copenhagen Accord: Meaning.6/30/13 Mrunal » Kyoto Protocol. Suppose steel factory cannot emit more than 1 ton of Green house gas Tire company cannot emit more than 2 tonnes of green house gas. So if tire company owner buys superfine machinaries that produce less gas so he has some spare credit/quota (say 1 ton) While Steel factory emits more than its allowed quota (suppose it was allowed 2 tonnes but emitted 3 tonnes) Then the steel company can pay the tire company and get a certificate that we’ve purchase 1 ton quota from this xyz tire company. must not emit more than 10 units of green house gas in a year.org/2012/09/enb-kyoto. In this way. But this company wants to produce more steel. Carbon Trading.6/30/13 Mrunal » Kyoto Protocol. then its green house gas mrunal.html/print/ 6/9 . But Australia can finance a solar power project in some village of India (NonAnnex or developing Country) and get certificate that the solar plant led to reduction of 10 units of green house gas. but it emits 210 units of green house gas. Similarly. Explained » Print #2 Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Suppose Annex B country Australia is given emission quota of 200 units. suppose Australian Government has passed a law that a steel production company with output of 200 tonnes of steel per a day. Australia will remain in its quota/limit. Copenhagen Accord: Meaning. (1 more unit above the quota) So this company can also do some solar-projects in India. After President Bush. become the first country to quit the Kyoto Protocol on climate change. In Joint Implementation. Japan to meet the quota. Canada. Denmark = COP15 mrunal. Why USA did not ratify Kyoto Protocol? US President George W Bush refused to ratify Kyoto protocol saying that it would gravely damage the US economy. #3 Joint Implementation (JI) This is identical to CDM. Brazil etc. Carbon Trading. Explained » Print emission has increased to 11 units. for example a US steel company would need to either buy Carbon Credits from another company or invest in some projects in a developing country). because it does not require developing countries (especially India and China) to commit to emissions reductions.g. (plus we should also understand that the powerful US industrialist lobby may stop election funds to a candidate. saying the 1997 accord was handicapped because top green house emitters like the United States and China not covered by it. if he is in favor of Kyoto protocol. so USA is unlikely to ratify Kyoto or any such future protocols that are legally binding!) Canada Quits Kyoto protocol In 2011. Australia can do the good project in another Annex B country e. and get a certificate that it has led to reduction of 1 unit of GHG emission. hence they can sell their products @lower MRP = US steel company will loose customers. In CDM. President Obama too. didn’t ratify Kyoto protocol for the same reason.org/2012/09/enb-kyoto. while an Indian or Chinese Steel company has no such obligation so their cost of production = low. 15th such meeting was held @Copenhagen. Australia can do good project in a non-Annex country (developing country) e.g. (Because USA has refused to ratify the treaty and China being an Annex II country –has no compulsory responsibility to cut down emission. Copenhagen Accord: Meaning.html/print/ 7/9 . So US Government feels is that the treaty is fatally flawed.) What is the Copenhagen Accord? Recall that UNFCCC countries meet every year and it is called Conference of Parties (COP). India. = problem solved.6/30/13 Mrunal » Kyoto Protocol. html/print/ 8/9 . is second. That’s why. This agreement is known as the Copenhagen Accord. United States China is the world leader in total annual Green House Gas emissions U. EU is third. Qatar in Nov’2012) becomes very critical. the U. came up with a political agreement. the group accounts for around 30% of global GHG emissions.S. along with the US.org/2012/09/enb-kyoto. has pledged a 17% reduction in GHG emissions. (but this is not legally binding). There are no binding obligations placed on these pledges by the UNFCCC or any other international body. this group includes the world’s major emerging economies and some of its largest emitters together. It says all countries should pledge to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emission but all of the pledges made under the Copenhagen Accord are voluntary.6/30/13 Mrunal » Kyoto Protocol. Carbon Trading. South Africa. the BASIC bloc—Brazil. In line with the Copenhagen Accord. BASIC countries. As we saw earlier. South Africa.. Important Players in climate change The First commitment period of Kyoto will end in 2012. India and China. Copenhagen Accord: Meaning. Copenhagen Accord also lays the groundwork for financial commitments from developed countries (US. India and China—and the U. BASIC Countries Brazil. the next meeting (COP18. against a 2005 baseline. US is not in favour of any legally binding commitments. Besides. So nowadays UNECC nations are trying to form factions (small gangs) to discuss what should be their stand in that meeting? either extend commitments under Kyoto or create a successor of Kyoto Protocol: a post-2012 international climate treaty. Explained » Print In the meeting.S.UK) to developing countries (India. United States is the only Annex I country that has not ratified the Kyoto Protocol. Obama has to face election in November. mrunal.S. Doha.Brazil etc) for climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. were the authors of the Copenhagen Accord and will continue to be some of the most influential players in the negotiations. by 2020. UNFCCC acknowledged the Copenhagen Accord and has assisted in collecting the GHG reduction pledges of various countries. BASIC countries recently met in Brazil in September 2012.) More green house gas = rise in global temperature = ice melts= sea level rise =many of these areas to become uninhabitable. EU is the 3rd largest GHG polluter. Explained » Print All of the BASIC countries have ratified the Kyoto Protocol.” 3. Bahamas. new agreement should “respect the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities. Carbon Trading. Barbados. Qatar in Nov. AOSIS is an team of 43 small island and low-lying coastal countries (Barbuda. Copenhagen Accord: Meaning.org/2012/09/enb-kyoto.2012): 1. Alliance of Small Island State (AOSIS) Not really a ‘player’. respectively. (again not legally binding). China and India have pledged to reduce their carbon intensity—the amount of GHG emissions per unit GDP—by 40-45% and 20-25%.html Posted By On 23/09/2012 @ 23:08 In the category biodiversity.org/2012/09/enb-kyoto. Cuba etc. new Kyoto commitment period should start on January 1. URL to article: http://mrunal.Diplomacy mrunal. rich countries should take on more of a burden to reduce emissions because of their historical contribution to global warming. (because these countries are not part of Annex B countries of Kyoto Protocol). Under the Copenhagen Accord. accounting for about 12% of global emissions EU states have ratified Kyoto.6/30/13 Mrunal » Kyoto Protocol.html/print/ 9/9 . these are the future victims if green house gas emission is not reduced. But they’re not under any binding obligation to meet a specified target. 2013 European Union (EU) EU is a Party to both the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol. 2. and declared their intentions (what they want in COP meeting @Doha. against 2005 levels by 2020.