Motion for a resolution | Doc. 13224 | 06 June 2013
Kyoto Climate Change Protocol
Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development
The increasing extreme global weather conditions are further proof of the scientific connection between climate change and the production of green-house gases. The need for a global solution to this global problem was recognised in the Kyoto Climate Change Protocol. This Protocol was negotiated in 1997, ratified in 2002 and to end by 2012. It included target carbon reductions which only applied to over 40 developed countries who were responsible for two thirds of the world carbon output.
A new protocol to replace Kyoto 1 with Kyoto 2 would have to apply to all countries. However, difficult negotiations meant it could not be agreed before 2012. In order that the Kyoto 1 did not fall, the Council of Europe as a recognised observer at the climate talks made a proposal. Its ‘Stop the Clock’ report proposed to extend the time table for the negotiations to continue. The conference of the Parties accepted this proposal and extended the time table to 2016 and to implement by 2020.
The Council of Europe, and its Parliamentary Assembly and member States should redouble their efforts to secure that agreement for Kyoto by 2016. There are three remaining meetings of Parties before 2016 and the final conference will take place in France in 2015. The Assembly should prepare recommendations in the numerous areas of disagreement for a Kyoto 2 agreement. The Council of Europe is well placed after its previous initiative on the time table to play a crucial part in producing a critically needed Kyoto 2 Climate Change Protocol. A global solution to an increasing global problem of climate change, now threatening the very stability of our planet, has to be found.