Talks: story so far1 July 2001
Two days into the Bonn talks - with Ministers starting to arrive - things are still looking bleak for the Kyoto Protocol.
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Does the world have political institutions capable of dealing with the terrible global threat of climate change? So far, the deeply depressing answer seems to be no. |
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Kate Hampton,
Friends of the Earth International Climate Co-ordinator
What's needed for the Protocol to work?
The Kyoto treaty must be ratified by at least 55 countries, including industrialised countries responsible for at least 55% of carbon dioxide emissions (in 1990).
The US refuse to ratify. If Japan - and one of these others (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway) refuses to ratify the treaty will be dead.
Japan
A key player in the talks. Currently looking for more concessions or they won't ratify.
Australia, Canada, Russia
Wants talks to consider nuclear. Australia is arguing for a "workshop" on alternatives to the Kyoto treaty.
European Union
Confused. Some like Belgium are willing to compromise. Others (Germany, Austria) are taking a more hardline position.
The UK hasn't even sorted out who is lead Minister at the talks. Although Margaret Beckett has taken over from John Prescott as the Environment Minister - it seems both are going to the talks. It's not clear how they will work together.
