Adopting The Kyoto Protocol

by BZZB2010 in Issues, December 13, 2009

The Global Warming solution that awaits the involvement of the United States.

As with any new idea, this protocol is not without problematic issues associated by many fine print characteristics. Kubasek and Silverman state, “However one of the more controversial components of the protocol is the fact that underdeveloped countries are not bound to emissions targets” (453) Environmental Law written by Nancy K. Kubasek and Gary S. Silverman Pearson Prentice Hall NJ 2008.

This leaves the door open for disputes resulting from Transboundary pollution from these countries. Underdeveloped countries are often excluded from these standards, so their intentions often lack a moral outlook on the future ecological system. In other words many countries still seek industrial power through massive petroleum use, and and seek to employ nuclear power and energy. Another problem is the protocol has good intentions, but does not necessarily resolve economic issues arising in the world today. For examples conversion to alternative sources can devastate the existing fossil fuel companies that help support the economy. Free trade may open the door to new innovated technological advancements, but often hinders American jobs by raising unemployment. The fine print ideaology is based on a country unwilling to thrive in promoting new technology and innovation. So the market would belong to anyone that promotes environmentally friendly ideas. There is no doubt about it, this bill is by far one of the most prominent pieces of environmental legislation in existence today, but these concerns and issues are withholding the United States from joining the proposal. Kubasek and Silverman State, “President Bush indicated that the United States would not ratify the protocol because it was “fatally flawed” (453) Environmental Law written by Nancy K. Kubasek and Gary S. Silverman Pearson Prentice Hall NJ 2008. In reality the United Sates governs the largest petroleum based industry in the world and much of economy thrives on that resource being abundant. As with all international Law power is derived from the participants involved. Still the term fatally flawed has begun to creep into every other option without a plan, so trying something new is not necessarily a major leap in idealism. As opposed to doing nothing, time and widespread involvement is now showing positive changes which add a new savor to this old proposal

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This protocol may thrive to greater heights if the United States was involved and participating. I believe the goals of this protocol are idealistic and new ideas should be promoted to ensure the future. The use of hybrid vehicles which conserve gas and reduce emissions are now setting new standards in the automotive industry in the world today. We have doubled our efficiency by promoting new conservative ideas. These ideas show that the Kyoto protocol is the new international proposition for reduces greenhouse gases in the future. The Kyoto protocol has inspired America despite the lack of involvement. Martin Kaste states “For the past decade, individuals, corporations and even whole cities — such as Seattle — have been looking for ways to cut their greenhouse gas emissions enough to meet what would have been the U.S. target under Kyoto” Americans are enthusiastic about promoting our ideas and technology worldwide. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121280271. The truth is we need the investment, and we need the work. The oil industry is not cutting the mustard as it once did, and will soon be remembered like the coal industry which once thrived before it. This shows the United States has the willingness to jump on the bandwagon and initiate change. Americans can find out information about many environmental issues from the Environmental Defense Process: http://www.envronmentaldefense.org/actioncenter.cfm . The Kyoto protocol is now in effect by more than half of the world pollution contributors. America would justify a complete worldwide environmental victory of this protocol. This may very well be an issue that the United States may soon need to investigate and address.