KYOTO PROTOCOL
KYOTO PROTOCOL TO THE UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
The scientific evidence is growing that man-made greenhouse gas emissions are
having a noticeable effect on the earth's climate. Current climate models predict
that global temperatures could warm from between 1.4 to 5.8oC over the next
100 years, depending on the amounts of greenhouse gases emitted and the sensitivity
of the climate system. The social, environmental and economic costs associated
with this could be huge. Climate prediction models show that deeper cuts in
emissions will be needed to prevent serious interference with the climate (DEFRA).
Observed and predicted global temperature change
Source: The Met Office's Hadley Centre for Climate Protection and Research
THE KYOTO PROTOCOL
In response to increasing concerns about climate change, the world's governments
adopted the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. They agreed
to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2008-2012.
The Kyoto Protocol agreed in December 1997, was designed to address this issue.
Under the Kyoto Protocol, the European Union and its member states have agreed
to meet their commitments jointly. This arrangement allows the EU's target to
be redistributed between member states to reflect their national circumstances,
requirements for economic growth, and the scope for further emission reductions.
In June 1998, under the UK Presidency, environment ministers agreed how the
target should be shared out. The UK agreed to reduce its emissions by 12.5%,
which is a legally binding target under the Kyoto Protocol. Targets for other
member states range from -21% for Germany and Denmark, to -6% for the Netherlands.
The Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott Stated "the Kyoto Protocol provides
a framework for actions, setting binding emission reduction targets for developed
countries…deeper cuts will be needed in the long term, but the immediate priority
must be to turn the commitments made at Kyoto into real emission reductions"
(Climate Change, The UK Programme).
Link
for complete Kyoto document
WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS DOING?
Businesses commitment to tackle climate change is growing in the UK. However,
they need to do much more to reduce greenhouse emissions and to think more long-term
as the short-term costs are perceived to be too high. Organisations need to
be proactive in finding ways to implement cost effective measures that will
reduce emissions and ultimately make the world a better place for all to live
and work in.
HOW MGI GROUP CAN HELP YOUR ORGANISATION REDUCE EMISSIONS?
MGI Group will measure the current energy consumption and emission levels,
recommend measures to reduce Carbon emissions and help implement changes. Contact
one of our consultants to discuss how MGI Group can help your business
increase energy efficiency and reduce its impact on the environment. Please
call us on 01767-641-163 or email
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