MOTION: Are the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol effective global responses against climate change?

Three key points

1st: Kyoto Protocol and UNFCCC are global responses to climate change 2nd: Kyoto Protocol and UNFCCC are effective global responses to climate change 3rd: There are evidences showing that Kyoto Protocol and UNFCCC are effective global responses to climate change

First point

Kyoto Protocol and UNFCCC are global responses to climate change

Global response
Climate change is a global issue which requires a long term global response, such as the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. The main international means to address climate change is the UNFCCC. -OECD

UNFCCC
stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system to adapt naturally to climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner

Kyoto Protocol
Quantified the commitments of the UNFCCC, i.e. to reduce GHG emissions at 5% below 1991 levels (first commitment period 2008-2012) The only legally binding treaty to reduce GHG emissions Signed by 193 parties, ratified by the same except the US Came into force in Feb 2005, upon ratification by Russia (satisfied 55 countries, 55% GHG emissions)

Second point

Kyoto Protocol and UNFCCC are effective global responses to climate change

Effective

Effective
Effectiveness relates the input or the output to the final objectives to be achieved, i.e. the outcome. The outcome is often linked to welfare or growth objectives and therefore may be influenced by multiple factors (including outputs but also exogenous 'environment' factors). The effectiveness shows the success of the resources used in achieving the objectives set.

GHGs covered
Carbon dioxide (C02) Methane (CH4) Nitrous oxide (N20) Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)

Flexibility mechanism
Joint Implementation International Emissions Trading Clean Development Mechanism Allows for the achievement of targets in various ways

GHG inventory mechanism

Importance
Consequences and costs of policy inaction will be significant. To slow and then limit climate change will require an international effort over the long term. -OECD Reducing GHG emissions is essential in slowing/ stopping/ reversing global warming.

Third point

There are evidences showing that Kyoto Protocol and UNFCCC are effective global responses to climate change

Decrease in GHG Emissions

The emissions of ozone depleting substances (ODS) controlled under the Montreal Protocol , which are also GHGs, have declined significantly since the 1990s. By 2004 the emissions of these gases were about 20% of their 1990 level. A range of policies, including those on climate change, energy security , and sustainable development, have been effective in reducing GHG emissions in different sectors and many countries. (WGIII, AR4)

Second Commitment Period of KP

Agreed upon in Durban, South Africa by COP17 in December 2011, the Durban Platform Improvements, e.g. increased incentives Incorporates proposed amendments, i.e. inclusion of developing countries such as China, India, Brazil A legal accord and instrument applicable to all countries

Conclusion
The UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol requires complementary policies and mechanisms rather than a catch all, do all type of policy. It may be judged as imperfect and insufficient, but it is a milestone in climate policy. Having such global policy is a good start and is better than not having a global policy at all.

Are the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol effective global responses against climate change?