Basic UNFCCC & Kyoto Protocol information
ØUNFCCC - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
ØKyoto Protocol is amendment of UNFCCC
ØSigned December 11, 1997 at Kyoto, Japan
ØOpened for signature on March 16, 1998
ØNeed 55 countries representing 55% of 1990 CO2 emissions to ratify for entry-into-force
ØGHG reduction targets for 2008-2012
Ø6 GHGs include CO2, CH4, N20, CFC-12,CFC-10,
Ø2001 Bush says U.S. will not ratify
Ø44.2% of 1990 global GHC emissions without US, Russia, Australia
ØRussia 17.4% of 1990 CO2 emissions
ØUS and Australia ~40% of GHG emissions
ØTalks stall in Hague post-2000 election
Ø2001 Bonn COP revisions - allows CO2 sink
COP - Conference of Parties
Thus RussiaÕs ratification  absolutely critical for KyotoÕs protocol to come into force