By Emily Smith -
2nd December 2003
The
Kyoto protocol appeared to be struggling for survival on Tuesday as a new report revealed Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions will rise by two per cent before 2010.
The latest figures from the European Commission, based on 2001 emissions, show that member states are failing to reverse climate change in line with international agreements.
Under Kyoto the EU is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by eight per cent from 1990 levels before 2012 at the latest.
But if existing policies are not radically modified, it will only manage a 0.5 per cent reduction.
Spain will miss its Kyoto commitments by over 30 per cent by 2010, with Ireland, Belgium and Austria all 20 per cent over target.
The only countries set to meet their commitments are Sweden and the UK.
“We call on member states to revisit their national targets,” environment commissioner Margot Wallström told journalists.
“This is serious. Time is running out.”
She admitted though that “projections are always subject to major uncertainties” and denied that the Kyoto protocol was now worthless.
“Kyoto is not dead. It has maybe held its breath for a little while.”
Kyoto needs the ratification of at least 55 countries representing at least 55 per cent of global emissions at 1990 level.
So far Russia and the USA have not signed up.
“We think it’s unfortunate we have this ongoing battle with the USA”, confessed Wallström.
But she reiterated her belief that Russia will sign up, once their national elections are out of the way.
“We are held hostage to an internal political process here.”
“The best we can do is demonstrate to Russia that we are serious about Kyoto.”
“The problem of climate change will not go away.”
“Even if some are anxious to say the Kyoto protocol is dead, the problem is not dead.”
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