Page 40 - Module_7_en

Module After more than 10 years of negotiations, the Kyoto Protocol finally becomes legally binding for the
7 countries that have ratified it. The overall goal in the Protocol is a 5.2 per cent reduction of greenhouse

gas emissions below the 1990 level by Annex 1 countries by 2010. As of 2 February 2005, 141 states

and regional economic integration organizations had ratified, acceded to, approved, or accepted
the Protocol. Only the United States, Australia, Monaco and Croatia have not ratified it among the
countries listed as the Annex countries in United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
9-12 December, 2013 (UNFCCC).

Target reached in 2002, but the emissions are increasing again
By the end of 2005, countries that are obliged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions hall report on

their progress towards reaching the emission targets set in the Protocol.

Even if the total emissions from Annex 1 countries decreased by 6.4 per cent between 1990 and
2002, only a few of these countries can report on a real progress in reaching heir emission targets. The

decrease is mainly caused by a decrease in emissions, particularly y the Eastern European states and
Russia due to economic downturn. The decrease in these countries has been 40 per cent, while the
other Annex 1 countries have increased their emissions by 8.4 per cent. Emission projections show an
increase in the total emissions from Annex 1 countries by 10.2 per cent between 1990-2010.

More countries must put more efforts in reducing their emissions
In 2002, 16 countries, mostly in Eastern Europe and Russia, had reached their targets. But some western

European countries like UK, Sweden and Iceland had also reached their targets. Between 2002 and
2010 the number of countries that must reduce their emissions by more than 20per cent to reach their
target is estimated to increase from 3 to 10

Developing countries will pass developed countries

Historically, developed countries have caused the enhanced greenhouse effect. But between 2020 and
2030, the total emissions from developing countries are expected toexceed the emissions from the
developed world. There will still be a huge difference in the per capita emissions.

For more information: Karen landmark karen.landmark@grida.no

Another example is the complete set of information prepared, distributed and posted on web in
preparation for the launch of the GEO-4 report. Posted information included press releases, media kits
(briefs), etc.. in 6 U.N. languages. More information on available materials can be found at: Web page
for GEO-4 http://www.unep.org/geo/geo4/media/index.asp

38 Creating Communication Outputs from the Assessment