- About the Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol was developed in the first World Climate Conference in 1979. It is a framework established by the United Nations to put a structured procedure in place to help the UN work towards lowering greenhouse gases.
There are 37 industrialized countries that have been set targets by the UN which ensures their greenhouse emissions will be lowered by 5% by 2012. It is developed countries that mostly contribute towards the massive problems with global warming and greenhouse gases so these countries came together in an attempt to make a change.
- The economists' view
Economists from different countries are most likely to view the Kyoto Protocol differently. Economists from the US for example were opposed to the Kyoto Protocol because they claimed that it was unrealistic in its expectations. They claimed that the cost involved in reducing greenhouse gases was so high that it was not economically viable.
Massive changes would need to be made to everything from huge buildings to power plants and factories. Destroying old buildings and building new ones is not only unjustifiable but also bad for the environment in the short term. American economists claim it would cost them approximately $100 per ton whereas in European countries it would cost $5 per ton; so the plan is more viable in Europe than in America.
- The ecologist's view
An ecologist on the other hand would argue the opposite and claim that the Kyoto Protocol is worth every penny spent because it is ultimately helping the planet and the small investments made now will pay off in the long run.
Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions will help the environment, help human health, improve agriculture and our general way of living. Once the protocol is in place, energy bills will be significantly less so that initial investment is well worth it according to ecologists.