Climate Change Negotiations - The importance of Kyoto

COP-3, the Third Conference of the Parties to the FCCC (Framework Convention on Climate Change), is to be held in Kyoto in December 1997. Much was expected of this particular conference, but the progress to date leaves considerable room for pessimism. As of now, there seems to be little congruence in the plans and positions articulated by major groups of world. The European Union seems to be far ahead of other OECD groupings, having laid down a target for the Annex I countries of 15% reductions in emissions of GHGs (greenhouse gases) over the 1990 levels, to be achieved by the year 2010. The US position is still nebulous, and seems to be stuck against opposition from well-entrenched groups in that country including the Republican-controlled Congress. In COP-2 at Geneva, many hopes had been raised with the statement by Under Secretary Tim Wirth, which came as a refreshing reassurance of commitment by the US Administration to the goals, objectives, and actions both explicitly included and implicitly enshrined in the FCCC. However, since then, senior officials in the US Administration have repeatedly been insisting that acceptance by major developing countries of additional commitments is a prerequisite for the US committing itself to targets or specific actions. This is not only unfair and against the spirit and content of the FCCC, but also an unfortunate blow to global efforts at solving the problem of climate change. One need hardly mention that US per capita energy consumption levels are in the range of 8000 kgOE (kilograms of oil equivalent) as opposed to 236 kgOE for India and 626 kgOE for China. Even in the case of coal, the US consumes much larger quantities per capita than such major coal-consuming countries as China and India. Given the fact that countries like India still have large numbers of people living in abject poverty, increase in energy consumption is inevitable if very basic needs are to be met and energy provided at least for cooking two square meals a day and a few hours of illumination in the home after the sun goes down. It might also be mentioned that the use of inferior biomass fuels in traditional cookstoves results in much greater global as well as local environmental impacts as opposed to cleaner fuels like kerosene. The following figures show emissions per year in tonnes from cookstoves using traditional commercial fuels.

Another factor that makes the position of developed countries untenable on historical, economic, technological, and, most importantly, ethical grounds is the fact that the worst impacts of climate change would be felt by the developing countries. Hence, any postponement of actions for mitigation would essentially be at the cost of the developing countries.

One major country that has still not arrived at a definite position for Kyoto is Japan. A strong and ambitious commitment by Japan is required not only for its own sake but also because it could make a difference in putting moral pressure on the US as well as in sending a powerful message to the global community from Japan as the host of the Conference. This would make an impact by creating a climate of compliance with commitments justified scientifically, and may actually make Kyoto a major milestone in turning the tide against the process of climate change, which is threatening this planet and all species that exist on it.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) met recently in Male, Maldives for its Thirteenth Session. At the start of the conference, the President of Maldives, H.E. Mr Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, made the following statement in his opening address:

"Ten years ago, in April 1987, this very spot where we are gathered now, was under two feet of water, as unusually high waves inundated one-third of Male, as well as the Male International Airport and several other islands of our archipelago." The problem of sea-level rise and climate change is already on the Maldives, and is projected. The officer bearers of the new Bureau were elected and took office towards the end of the 13th session of IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). Dr R K Pachauri, Director, Tata Energy Research Institute, was elected Vice Chairman for the Asian Region. A total of 106 countries voted in this election, and Dr Pachauri received 71 votes in his favour.