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Well, At Least They Signed Kyoto

May 06, 2003 11:55 AM
Tags: environment, europe, politics
update Actually, the EU (and Japan) didn't officially sign the Kyoto accord, though they claim they're interested in unofficial compliance.

Someone explain to me what's so noble about signing the Kyoto accord if you then promptly disregard it? From The BBC:
Emissions of greenhouse gases from the European Union increased in 2001 for the second year running.

The European Environment Agency (EEA) estimates they were 1% greater than in 2000.

The EU as a whole is committed to reducing emissions by 8% on their 1990 levels by between 2008 and 2012.

On present trends, it appears to stand almost no chance of keeping its promise.

The 8% cut is the commitment made by the EU under the terms of the Kyoto Protocol, the international agreement on tackling climate change.

...

The Europeans have all along been the protocol's most enthusiastic supporters, and their faltering performance will be deeply embarrassing to them.
At least the U.S. was honest.

Also, the article amusingly notes:
There are now doubts about the willingness of Russia to do so, because some of its prominent scientists apparently believe climate change could be beneficial to the country.

It is organising a world climate conference in Moscow in late September, to re-examine the science of climate change.
(via Fark)

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