Bridges Trade BioRes • Volume 5 • Number 3 • 18th February 2005

Europe Looks Beyond Kyoto as Protocol Enters Into Force

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The 1997 Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) entered into force on 16 February (see BRIDGES Trade BioRes, 19 November 2004). The event was celebrated around the world both by governments and civil society groups, despite the fact that some significant polluters — such as the US — have chosen to remain outside the treaty. Environmental groups also stressed that although the Kyoto Protocol was important, and its entry into force signalled a commitment among Parties to move towards a low-carbon economy, it only represented a first step. Friends of the Earth’s Catherine Pearce commented that “It is time for rich countries to act now, before it becomes too late… With concerted action, industrialised countries, led by the European Union, can be delivering cuts in emissions and set us on the path to 80 percent reductions by 2050″.

A week earlier, on 9 February, the European Commission released a communication on its strategy beyond 2012, when the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol ends. According to European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas, “We will continue to lead by example, but we will also continue to pressure hard for all of our international partners to come on board.” Among measures for future EU climate policy, the Commission proposed: including new sectors, such as aviation, maritime transport and forestry; supporting innovation and research on new climate-friendly technologies; continuing the use of flexible market-based instruments such as emissions trading both in the EU and internationally; and focusing on adaptation policy.

Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin announced on 16 February that the 11th Conference of the Parties — which will also be the first Meeting of the Parties when negotiations will begin on the post-2012 phase — will be held in Montreal, Canada in early December 2004.

To access the Commission documents visit here.

“Canada To Host Next Major International Meeting Setting Global Course On Climate Change Beyond Kyoto,” CANADIAN GOVERNMENT, 16 February 2005; “Climate Change Treaty Goes Live But Battle On Emissions Has Only Just Begun,” FOEI RELEASE, 14 February 2005; “EU Climate Policy Aims for Wider International Involvement,” ENS, 10 February 2005; “EU Climate Policy Aims for Wider International Involvement,” EC RELEASE, 9 February 2005.