What is the Kyoto Protocol?

Signed by about 180 countries in Kyoto, Japan in 1997, the Kyoto Protocol commits 38 industrialized countries to cut their emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) between 2008-2012.  The goal is to achieve overall levels that are 5.2 per cent below 1990 levels for developed countries.  The Protocol is under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and comes into effect February 16, 2005.

Does Kyoto solve the climate change issue?

No, although Kyoto is a good first step, it is important to recognize that climate change is a long-term issue.  In order to meet the objective of the Climate Change Convention, which is to stabilize the atmospheric concentration of GHGs and hence climate, overall reductions of more than 50% are needed: thus there will need to be several more Kyoto-type protocols.  At the same time the climate will continue to change. 

Canada needs a long-term climate change strategy based on research.  Research is needed to determine how much reduction is needed and how Canada could contribute to the global total.  Research is also needed to determine adaptation strategies to reduce the negative impacts and to gain the benefits of climate change.  This research needs to focus on a better understanding of the cycles of GHGs; better predictions of climate change, including for extreme events such as storms, droughts, tornadoes, hurricanes; regional changes; and a better understanding of the relationships between climate and air quality, marine ecosystems and other issues.

Does CFCAS endorse the Kyoto Protocol?

Yes.  The Protocol recognizes that the Earth’s climate is changing and that international measures are needed to mitigate the impacts of this change.  The Protocol is an important step in addressing these various and complex needs and ensuring countries report on the actions they have taken.

How does CFCAS fund Kyoto Protocol research?

CFCAS funds projects that provide information on GHG sources and sinks, climate variability, extreme weather, and ocean-air interactions.  These types of research projects contribute greatly to the scientific understanding behind the Climate Change Convention and the Kyoto Protocol.  CFCAS-funded research will also help track the progress and the effectiveness of Kyoto measures. 

Climate scientists don’t all agree on the background scientific basis of the Kyoto Protocol.  Does CFCAS fund scientists from both camps?

CFCAS funds ‘good science’ regardless.  If a proposed project meets strictly monitored guidelines of excellence, it may receive funding, no matter what the scientific hypothesis or ultimate climate understanding(s) acquired as a result of the research.

What if CFCAS-funded research disagrees with present government policy?

Our role is to provide research results that will help government and others to understand and act on climate issues.  This understanding on the part of government will lead to sound decisions and policy development.  If research results run counter to federal policy, the research is even more important to pursue as it will clarify facts and lead to a better understanding of the issues.

How will implementation of the Kyoto Protocol affect government funding to CFCAS?

It is unclear how, if at all, implementation of the Kyoto Protocol will affect CFCAS’s level of funding.  We will know more after the February 23^rd budget is tabled in the House of Commons.

How will implementation of the Kyoto Protocol affect the funding CFCAS distributes to research projects?

CFCAS will continue to fund projects on the basis of Board-approved priorities and sound scientific criteria – for example, national need, competence of applicants, and rigorous methodology.

With no involvement of the US or developing countries, what difference will the Kyoto Protocol make?

The Kyoto Protocol is the proverbial ‘good start’.  Although the treaty suffered a setback in 2001 when the US pulled out, Russia signing on in 2004 put real substance back into it.  The US, responsible for approximately a quarter of the world’s GHG emissions, pulled out of the Protocol because it believed that implementing it would gravely damage the US economy.

The Kyoto Protocol acknowledges that developing countries contribute least to climate change but will quite likely suffer most from its effects.  Many developing nations have signed the Protocol, creating a meaningful forum for ongoing discussion.

Most importantly, the Kyoto Protocol sets out a framework for future negotiations which would take another decade to rebuild, if the treaty had failed.

Are Canada’s Kyoto targets achievable?

The GHG emission-reduction target that Canada agreed to (6% below 1990 levels) will require hard work, government incentives, and purchase of carbon credits from other nations.