Has the Kyoto Protocol reached its main goal? A brief review

CONTI, M., CIASULLO, R., MATTA, E.

International Journal of Environment and Health

Inderscience Publishers

Año: 2012 vol. 6

1743-4955

International politics on Climate Change, in particular the Kyoto Protocol, is critically analysed. Important aspects of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Protocol are the GHG emissions, particularly carbon dioxide emission, as well as the commitment that different countries have made to reduce or limit those emissions. There are also other important mechanisms included in the Protocol, as the sink of greenhouse gases, the flexible mechanisms to facilitate the achievement of the objectives at the global level through the exchange of credits among countries. This work also highlights the brightest aspects of the Protocol, and reviews critical issues that require modifications or whose application must be limited. Some of these issues are the refusal of the USA to sign a joint commitment to reduce greenhouse gases, the situation of large emitters Non-Annex I (China, among others), the promotion of effective alternative energy sources which do not cause environmental damages and the combustion of biomass as alternative fuel. In this context, the case of the Kraft Black Liquor burning are debated, as well the pulpwood forest and the overall risks of a Kraft Pulp Mills.