The Kyoto Treaty

Since global warming is and will continue to be a problem that affects the entire planet, many world leaders are coming together to find ways to reduce the damage that is being done due to extreme temperatures in the earth. The Kyoto Treaty was designed as a way to retard the consequences of the greenhouse effect and every country in the world can benefit from this treaty—if the nation’s officials agree to its terms.

The Kyoto Treaty was established in 1997 by officials in Kyoto Japan, which is a very industrialized nation. These officials, like many other government decision-makers around the world, felt that it was time to do something about the ozone depletion and excessive emission of greenhouse gases all around the world. The treaty was supposed to serve as a pact between Kyoto and other industrialized areas around the world, so that each country would be accountable for the amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted into the atmosphere on a regular basis.

Carbon dioxide is the main ‘greenhouse gas’ that raises concern for all humans, and the treaty was also a means of reducing the spread and inhalation of carbon dioxide. Burning fossil fuel and other unhealthy practices lead to an excess amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and this is very harmful to human and animal life. Factory activity and production also contribute greatly to carbon dioxide production, and pretty soon there will be no substantial plant life to convert the carbon dioxide into oxygen—unless companies and individuals help to do something about it.

There are several countries who have already agreed to be a part of the Kyoto Treaty, but extremely industrialized countries were not as quick to offer their participation. In 2001, President George W. Bush stated that the United States would never sign the treaty, since it would mean that many businesses would have to reduce production significantly, which would result in national economic strain. Several other larger countries, such as Russia expressed this concern as well, and a meeting in Bonn, Germany held by the European Council brought about some amendments to the treaty. Larger countries will have the opportunity to request ‘emission credits’ from less industrialized countries in order to maintain production and manufacturing costs for products while reducing excessive gas exposure. The U.S. and Russia are still skeptical about signing the Kyoto Treaty since the economies of each country will be affected, but hopefully changes can be made to reduce global in other ways in these countries.

If you want to know more about the provisions and clauses of the Kyoto Treaty, or are interested in how you and your family can do your part to make the world safer and healthier, there are some things you can do right in your home town, such as recycle or conserve electricity. For more information on how you can get involved with your local government to stop global warming and learn more about the Kyoto Treaty, visit www.americans-world.org, or www.nrdc.org.