For and Against Kyoto

USA

According to the UNFCCC, the USA were responsible for 36.1% of the carbon dioxide emissions in 1990, for the purpose of bringing the Kyoto Protocol into force
The Kyoto Protocol determined that the USA were to cut their 1990 emissions by 7% by 2012.
USA pull out from treaty in March 2001
President Bush states that the USA will never sign the agreement and called for a cabinet review of climate change
The USA objects on the grounds that the Protocol does not take into account emissions from developing countries who it states will soon match their own emissions
The Bush administration has initiated policy changes that critics say could actually increase USA emissions

According to the UNFCCC, the EU were responsible for 24.2% of the carbon dioxide emissions in 1990, for the purpose of bringing the Kyoto Protocol into force
May 2002 - All 15 EU states have ratified the Kyoto Protocol
In 2004, an EU white paper predicted 12% of the energy used in Europe will be generated by renewable energy by the year 2010
The EU has agreed to cut emissions by 8% below 1990 levels by 2008 to 2012
EU Nations have been among the leading proponents of Kyoto along with Japan, blaming human-induced global warming for triggering more frequent catastrophes like heat waves, floods or tornadoes

Japan were responsible for 8.5% of the carbon dioxide emissions in 1990
The Kyoto Protocol determined that Japan were to cut their 1990 emissions by 6% by 2012
On ratifying the Protocol in June 2002, Japanese PM Junichiro Koizumi states that;

"Japan will do its utmost to establish a common rule, in which all countries including the US and the developing countries participate".

Australia were responsible for 2.1% of the carbon dioxide emissions in 1990
June 2002 - Australia says it will not ratify the Protocol until the USA does and until developing countries are included
PM John Howard states

"For us to ratify the Protocol would cost us jobs and damage our industry."

The Russian Federation were responsible for 17.4% of the carbon dioxide emissions in 1990
Russia has argued that its forests act to absorb 17 million metric tonnes of carbon a year, which should be taken into account when considering its reducing its emissions
Russia is a key nation for Kyoto because if it holds the second largest majority vote after the US
On 30 September 2004 the Russian cabinet agreed to put the Protocol to the Russian Parliament for ratification
On 5 November 2004, President Vladimir Putin gave his seal of approval for Russia's crucial backing of the Kyoto Protocol, allowing the UN environment pact to come to force in 2005.

Canada were responsible for 3.3% of the carbon dioxide emissions in 1990
Canada want credits for the 'clean energy' it exports to the USA and will not be in a position to ratify the agreement until this is clarrified
There is opposition from some of the country's provincial governments

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