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GLOBAL WARMING - FUTURE POLICIES
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| DISCLAIMER: As you know, Carbon Blueprints is dedicated to accuracy and truth. This site is allowing this discussion, of which each "fact" must be backed up by research and accurate data, in order make sure we know what is true, what is myth, and what is a lie. |
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WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM FUTURE POLICIES?
* UNCONCLUSIVE AT THIS TIME...
(The large majority of rich countries (Japan, Russia, Great Britian, Australia, France, Germany, the United States, and many more) are taking an active role in helping fight Global Warming. Many have not joined with international organizations but within their own spheres, they have begun the work towards bettering the environment in their own countries. As for the poorer nations, many have begun. Still many have not made any efforts to better their position. Is this because they do not have the money, or that they do not care, this is still unknown because different countries have different priorities. Just because our prioirities are different than ours does that make them wrong? Think about it...
- Opinion of Zachariah Edwards, Research Scientist)
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"THEORY" = Prediction for the Future
"MUST CONFIRM WITH DATA" = Data is not in and has not been provided as of yet. |
"FACT" = data is in and there is no question.
"CONFLICT" is when both sides have accurate" data but they conflict. |
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MOFA - MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS - Japan's Comprehensive Policy
(THEORY - BROAD POLICY) |
Promotion of Comprehensive Environmental Conservation
We should create a “low carbon society,” in which a drastic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is achieved through the prevention of environmental pollution as well as the development of adequate systems and infrastructure for energy conservation. At the same time, creation of a “sound material-cycle society” in which resources are not wasted, as well as a “society in harmony with nature” in which ecosystems are protected as the basis of human existence, should also be pursued to ensure comprehensive and balanced environmental conservation. |
CLIMATE STRATEGIES - Russian Compliance with Kyoto Protocol
(MUST CONFIRM POLICIES) |
Russian GHG emissions were some 33% below the Kyoto commitment in 2004 and the quantitative compliance with the Kyoto emissions limitation target during 2008-2012 is expected to be easily achievable without further domestic measures (Russian government 2006, p.74). But in addition, countries have to satisfy a set of institutional criteria to be eligible to participate in the Kyoto mechanisms. |
WNA - WORLD NUCLEAR ASSOCIATION - Kyoto Protocol and the World Reaction
(FACTS - There are comments missing that say those who do not comply with Kyoto still have their environmental policies that match their countries needs.) |
The Kyoto Protocol involved several decisions:
- By 2012, developed countries would reduce their collective emissions by 5.2% from 1990 levels, each country being committed to a particular figure.
- The emissions covered by the Protocol are not only carbon dioxide, but also methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride.
- These commitments would be reckoned on a net basis, considering sinks as well as sources, and each country must credibly measure its contribution and meet its commitment.
- Countries may fulfil their commitments jointly (such as with regional agreements) and they may improve the efficiency of compliance through "flexibility mechanisms".
In order for the Kyoto Protocol to enter into force and become legally binding it had to be ratified by at least 55 countries and for those 55 countries to include enough Annex I (developed) countries to represent at least 55% of the total global emissions in 1990. In 2001 the US Government (which had earlier signed the Protocol) announced that it would not ratify the Protocol. As the US emits more than a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions from developed countries, this put the ratification of the Protocol in jeopardy. Australia also declared that it would not ratify, though it would pursue emission reductions as agreed.
Eventually, entry into force depended on the decision of Russia, another large greenhouse gas emitter. After some delay Russia notified the United Nations of its decision to ratify the Protocol in November 2004 and 90 days later, on February 19, 2005, the Protocol finally came into force. |
EU - EUROPEAN UNION - Policies to combat Global Warming
(FACTS - Programs and Policies in Action |
The EU has been taking serious steps to address its own greenhouse gas emissions since the early 1990s. In March 2000 the Commission launched the European Climate Change Programme (ECCP). The ECCP has led to the adoption of a wide range of new policies and measures. Among these are the pioneering EU Emissions Trading Scheme, launched on 1 January 2005, which has become the cornerstone of EU efforts to reduce emissions cost-effectively, and the EU legislation in relation to fluorinated greenhouse gases adopted on 17 May 2006..
Monitoring data and projections indicate that the 15 European Union members at the time of the EU's ratification of the Kyoto Protocol in 2002 (EU-15) will reach their Kyoto Protocol target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions. This requires emissions in 2008-2012 to be 8% below 1990 levels. |
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Landmark Legislation to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(FACTS - Policies written into action) |
Specifically, AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, requires CARB to:
- Establish a statewide greenhouse gas emissions cap for 2020, based on 1990 emissions by January 1, 2008.
- Adopt mandatory reporting rules for significant sources of greenhouse gases by January 1, 2009.
- Adopt a plan by January 1, 2009 indicating how emission reductions will be achieved from significant greenhouse gas sources via regulations, market mechanisms and other actions.
- Adopt regulations by January 1, 2011 to achieve the maximum technologically feasible and cost-effective reductions in greenhouse gas, including provisions for using both market mechanisms and alternative compliance mechanisms.
- Convene an Environmental Justice Advisory Committee and an Economic and Technology Advancement Advisory Committee to advise CARB.
- Ensure public notice and opportunity for comment for all CARB actions.
- Prior to imposing any mandates or authorizing market mechanisms, CARB must evaluate several factors, including but not limited to impacts on California's economy, the environment and public health; equity between regulated entities; electricity reliability, conformance with other environmental laws and ensure that the rules do not disproportionately impact low-income communities.
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US WHITE HOUSE - Executive Summary
(POLICIES) |
Reduce the Greenhouse Gas Intensity of the U.S. Economy by 18 Percent in the Next Ten Years. Greenhouse gas intensity measures the ratio of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to economic output. This new approach focuses on reducing the growth of GHG emissions, while sustaining the economic growth needed to finance investment in new, clean energy technologies. It sets America on a path to slow the growth of greenhouse gas emissions, and – as the science justifies – to stop and then reverse that growth:
- In efficiency terms, the 183 metric tons of emissions per million dollars GDP that we emit today will be lowered to 151 metric tons per million dollars GDP in 2012.
- Existing trends and efforts in technology improvement will play a significant role. Beyond that, the President's commitment will achieve 100 million metric tons of reduced emissions in 2012 alone, with more than 500 million metric tons in cumulative savings over the entire decade.
- This goal is comparable to the average progress that nations participating in the Kyoto Protocol are required to achieve.
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US WHITE HOUSE - Executive Summary
(POLICIES) |
Protect and Provide Transferable Credits for Emissions Reduction. The President directed the Secretary of Energy to recommend reforms to ensure that businesses and individuals that register reductions are not penalized under a future climate policy, and to give transferable credits to companies that can show real emissions reductions. |
US WHITE HOUSE - Executive Summary
(POLICIES) |
Review Progress Toward Goal and Take Additional Action if Necessary. If, in 2012, we find that we are not on track toward meeting our goal, and sound science justifies further policy action, the United States will respond with additional measures that may include a broad, market-based program as well as additional incentives and voluntary measures designed to accelerate technology development and deployment. |
US WHITE HOUSE - Executive Summary
(POLICIES) |
Increase Funding for America's Commitment to Climate Change. The President's FY '03 budget seeks $4.5 billion in total climate spending – an increase of $700 million. This commitment is unmatched in the world, and is particularly notable given America's focus on international and homeland security and domestic economic issues in the President's FY '03 budget proposal. |
US WHITE HOUSE - Promote New and Expanded International Policies to Complement Our Domestic Program.
(POLICIES) |
- Investing $25 Million in Climate Observation Systems in Developing Countries. In response to the National Academy of Sciences' recommendation for better observation systems, the President has allocated $25 million and challenged other developed nations to match the U.S. commitment.
- Tripling Funding for "Debt-for-Nature" Forest Conservation Programs. Building upon recent Tropical Forest Conservation Act (TFCA) agreements with Belize, El Salvador, and Bangladesh, the President's FY '03 budget request of $40 million to fund "debt for nature" agreements with developing countries nearly triples funding for this successful program. Under TFCA, developing countries agree to protect their tropical forests from logging, avoiding emissions and preserving the substantial carbon sequestration services they provide. The President also announced a new agreement with the Government of Thailand, which will preserve important mangrove forest in Northeastern Thailand in exchange for debt relief worth $11.4 million.
- Fully Funding the Global Environmental Facility. The Administration's FY '03 budget request of $178 million for the GEF is more than $77 million above this year's funding and includes a substantial $70 million payment for arrears incurred during the prior administration. The GEF is the primary international institution for transferring energy and sequestration technologies to the developing world under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
- Dedicating Significant Funds to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The President's FY'03 budget requests $155 million in funding for USAID climate change programs. USAID serves as a critical vehicle for transferring American energy and sequestration technologies to developing countries to promote sustainable development and minimize their GHG emissions growth.
- Pursue Joint Research with Japan. The U.S. and Japan continue their High-Level Consultations on climate change issues. Later this month, a team of U.S. experts will meet with their Japanese counterparts to discuss specific projects within the various areas of climate science and technology, to identify the highest priorities for collaborative research.
- Pursue Joint Research with Italy. Following up on a pledge of President Bush and Prime Minister Berlusconi to undertake joint research on climate change, the U.S. and Italy convened a Joint Climate Change Research Meeting in January 2002. The delegations for the two countries identified more than 20 joint climate change research activities for immediate implementation, including global and regional modeling.
- Pursue Joint Research with Central America. The United States and Central American Heads of Government signed the Central American-United States of America Joint Accord (CONCAUSA) on December 10, 1994. The original agreement covered cooperation under action plans in four major areas: conservation of biodiversity, sound use of energy, environmental legislation, and sustainable economic development. On June 7, 2001, the United States and its Central American partners signed an expanded and renewed CONCAUSA Declaration, adding disaster relief and climate change as new areas for cooperation. The new CONCAUSA Declaration calls for intensified cooperative efforts to address climate change through scientific research, estimating and monitoring greenhouse gases, investing in forestry conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and utilizing new environmental technologies.
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