Global Warming, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Global Economy

Global Warming, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Global Economy

As the amount of greenhouse gas emissions increases a plan of action has been introduced, know as the "Kyoto Protocol." As of July 2002 seventy-six of earth's one-hundred ninety countries have agreed to cut their emissions under the "Kyoto Protocol." However, only Japan has set some goals, that currently seem unattainable. Many people and businesses are opposed the Kyoto Protocol.

Climate change is a serious, global, long-term issue that must be addressed immediately. Everyone must do their part to have a discernable impact on the decrease of greenhouse gasses (GHG) around the world. Many fear that Alberta has much to lose, economically. Albertans have much to lose if emissions are forced to be cut, many businesses will be forced to find new and expensive ways to produce or refine their products which will raise the cost to Albertans and people around the world. Or if they cannot meet the requirements of Kyoto or any other plan they may be forced to close down completely putting many people out of Jobs. If Alberta chooses to accept the terms of "Kyoto or the Alberta Climate Change Plan," The cost for such commodities such as electricity, water, gasoline, and natural gas, could increase by almost 40% by 2002. With the cost of living already on the rise and with even more expected. many Canadians, especially young Canadians that are paying off student loans. With such a small job market these protocol's threaten the job market even further, and most will not be able to afford survive.

However according to Accu-Weather, the world's leading commercial forecaster, "global air temperature's as measured by land-based weather stations only show an increase of O.45 degrees Celsius over the past century. This may be nothing more than normal climatic variation. Satellite data indicate a slight cooling in the climate in the last 18 years. These satellites use advanced technology and are not subject to the "heat island" effect around major cities that alters ground-based thermometers.

Projections of future climate changes are uncertain. Although some computer models predict warming in the next century, these models are very limited. The effects of cloud formations, precipitation, the role of the oceans, or the sun, are still not well known and often inadequately represented in the climate models --- although all play a major role in determining our climate. Scientists who work on these models are quick to point out that they are far from perfect representations of reality, and are probably not advanced enough for direct use in policy implementation.