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Policy Because climate change is a global as well as national and local issue, policies to address it have arisen at all levels: International As its name implies, the UNFCCC was always intended to be a "framework" document -- something to be amended over time so that efforts to deal with climate change can be strengthened. The first addition to the treaty, the Kyoto Protocol, was adopted in 1997. It set mandatory targets for greenhouse gas emissions for most industrialized nations, aiming for an overall 5% reduction from 1990 levels. COP15's overall goal was to establish an ambitious global climate agreement for the period from. 2012 when the first commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol expires. However, as the New York Times reported, "President Obama and other world leaders have decided to put off the difficult task of reaching a climate change agreement... agreeing instead to make it the mission of the Copenhagen conference to reach a less specific “politically binding” agreement that would punt the most difficult issues into the future." [ The conference did achieve a binding agreement for the post-Kyoto period. A 13-paragraph 'political accord' was agreed by the majority of the parties,but not with full consensus. The Accord recognized that climate change is one of the world's greatest challenges ond that actions should be taken to keep any temperature increases to below 2°C. The Accord is not legally binding nor does it contain any legally binding commitments for reducing CO2 emissions. However, the accord was notable in that it referred to a collective commitment by developed countries for new and additional resources, including forestry and investments through international institutions, of almost $30 billion for the period 2010 - 2012. Unresolved issues related to extending the Kyoto Protocol and negotiations on a framework for long-term cooperative action are the subject of ongoing negotiations by working groups. These are key topics for COP16 to be held in November-December 2010 in The European Union initiated an Emissions Trading Scheme in 2005. The ETS covers large emitters -- some 10,000 facilities with nearly half of Europe's sources of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Facilities must monitor their GHG emissions and obtain "allowances" for each ton emitted. Initially the allowances were given for free. The EU has revised the scheme to reduce the number of allowances and to auction more than 60% of the allowance permits. The EU ETS experience has helped inform thinking about a cap-and-trade program in the U.S. National Momentum to address climate change is building at the federal level. The President has set a national goal of at least an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The U.S. House passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) (ACESA) in June of 2009. It recognizes the need for a price on carbon/GHG emissions through a cap-and-trade program. ACESA also recognizes the role of complementary or sector-based policies, such as those being developed in Kentucky to economically reduce emissions. The Senate is debating a national approach to climate change. On December 7, 2009 the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a finding that six key greenhouse gases (GHGs) endanger pubic health. See http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/endangerment.html for background on this action. This finding results from a Supreme Court decision in Aprll of 2007 that GHGs are pollutants subject to regulation under the Clean Air Act. While the finding does not create any new rules in the near term, it underpins EPA’s decision to strengthen limits on vehicle emissions. For federal executive updates on energy and environment go to: State & Regional More than 20 states have prepared a state climate action plan. Many states have held stakeholder processes similar to what Kentucky has launched, and those processes have led to new policies being proposed or adopted. Typically, the policies serve multiple aims such as improving air quality, reducing traffic congestion, securing reliable energy supplies, preserving land, or improving waste management, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Examples of state action plans in process or completed include: For more information, see:
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