Kyoto comes into force

Wednesday, 16 February 2005 12:00 AM

The Kyoto Protocol, the global pact that aims to curb greenhouse gas emissions, finally came into force today.

Kyoto aims to curb rises in global temperatures - mainly caused by the burning of fossil fuels - by cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2 per cent below 1990 levels by 2008-2012.

Though drawn up in 1997, it took the Russian decision last year to ratify the treaty. This meant that the countries responsible for 55 per cent of the global emissions have now signed up.

But, the USA's continuing refusal to accept any cuts, combined with the fact that rapidly developing countries such as China and India are not covered by its provisions, have led some to question its effectiveness.

Speaking on Channel Five's 'The Wright Stuff' this morning, the Prime Minister said it was vitally important that climate change was dealt with, adding he believes that the "science is now very clear" and many countries would be facing "difficulty if not catastrophe."

Tony Blair said that we've "got to pull the US back into line" and involve China and India. He said he believed that if the rich nations made an investment in science and technology now the world could still maintain advances in the standard of living.

He added: "If we don't do it as the wealthy countries how can we say to others. you must cut because we consumed too much."

Environmental group Friends of the Earth (FoE) is urging Mr Blair to use his presidency of the G8 and EU this year to push for further reductions.

And, they want Britain to take decisive action domestically to ensure a year-on-year reduction in the UK's C02 emissions. It claims that the UK's emissions have not fallen since Labour came to power.

Climate campaigner Catherine Pearce said: "Kyoto is an important first step, but tougher international action is crucial to combat climate change. The world around us is changing in dramatic and life-threatening ways. It's time to wake up to the threat before it's too late.

"The EU has a crucial role to play too and must pledge to go beyond its Kyoto commitments with further action. With concerted action, industrialised nations should cut their emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. And of course the United States, the world's biggest polluter, must also part its part too."

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