The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It was born on the premise that global warming exists due to human activities. The legal binding agreement helps ensure that State Parties would contribute to mitigate global warming.
List of Pros of Kyoto Protocol
1. Preservation of mankind’s future.
The changes in surface temperature results in heat wave, heavy downpours, rising sea levels, soil erosion and increased ocean acidity, all of which can affect the ecosystem, fisheries, agriculture and infrastructure. When this happens, problems will arise that will put mankind’s future at risk. Thus, the need to mitigate the threat early on.
2. Opens doors for innovation.
Because there is a need to preserve nature and ensure the situation stays in control, scientists and engineers must develop technologies that would reduce greenhouse gases without contributing to global warming. What is the point of developing machines and measures that will defeat its real purpose? This would result in the creation of innovative and sustainable technologies.
3. Ensure survival of future generations.
With greenhouse gas emissions and global warming mitigated, if not completely eradicated, the future generation would still have a place to live in, and one that doesn’t have the negative impacts global warming. The Kyoto Protocol not only works to minimize the effect of global warming, but also provides children a world without greenhouse gas emissions. A commitment to it today would mean a better future for everyone.
List of Cons of the Kyoto Protocol
1. Unrealistic ideals.
For global warming to be kept in control, participation should be on a global scale. Unfortunately, not all countries agree that climate change exists, resulting in a limited number of the world’s nations participating in the Kyoto Protocol. Based on some records, only six countries have actually signed up. This explains why measures to reduce greenhouse gases are not implemented in some parts the globe. Unless everyone unites and commits to counter problems due to greenhouse gas emissions, the Kyoto Protocol would be rendered useless.
2. Lacking in implementation.
There is no denying that the Kyoto Protocol has merit, and it could save the world from further destruction. Unfortunately, implementing it is sorely lacking. Two of the largest contributors of greenhouse gases, India and China, did not sign up with the Kyoto Protocol and are not obliged to honor it. So, regardless of the efforts that other countries make, the protocol would still end up ineffective.
3. Comes with bigger challenges.
Even if the entire world commits to the Kyoto Protocol, ensuring participation of the general public would be a challenge. Governments and authorities have to draft rules and regulations to ensure compliance. The bigger question would be what constitutes compliance and violation? Until all the details are ironed out and the measures implemented, the Kyoto Protocol would be nothing more than a piece of paper.
Whether global warming is happening or not, there is little doubt that surface temperature is rising and the world is changing. Whatever pollution one country has may also be carried through to the rest of the world. Clearly, something must be done.