Assignment: Kyoto Protocol

     Ecology Project Assigned April 22

Part I Global Impact

  1. What is the Kyoto Protocol and what does it try to prevent?
  2. When and where was it negotiated?
    How many countries have ratified it?
    When did it go into effect?
    What caused it to finally go into effect?
  3. List several of the Protocol's steps that must be followed.
  4. Why are developing countries not legally bound to the Protocol?
    Is this a major flaw in the Protocol? Discuss and give your opinion
  5. Why do you think that the US withdrew from it in 2001? Give reasons.
  6. Explain what emission greenhouse gases are?
  7. Explain what a CO2 sink is and how is to be used in the Protocol?
  8. Is global warming taking place or is this a myth? Quote evidence of this.
    What is causing the world to warm up, assuming this is actually happening?
  9. How are emission targets to be met?
  10. Explain the concept of "emission credits".
    Is this another flaw in the Protocol? Explain.

Part II Canada's Kyoto Plan

  1. What is Canada's response to the Kyoto Protocol?
    Name the Bill implemented this month and what does it propose to do or is committed to do?
    What are some of the steps the government intends to do to achieve the desired emission reductions?
  2. Explain the "One Tonne Challenge"?
  3. What weakness are inherent in the government's action?
  4. What does the government propose to do with the auto industry in regards to the Protocol?
  5. Why might the entire exercise become problematic?