Bali Climate Change Conference: “We Have Very Little Time to Act”

As evidence of climate change is increasingly accepted, the need to counter the phenomenon becomes more pressing. The Kyoto Protocol has been in effect since early 2005, and yet less than 800 million out of the world’s 6.6 billion people live in countries that have agreed to reduce emissions. Since then, carbon emissions continue to climb and deforestation has intensified. Without the support of the most populous nations, China and India, as well as the largest economy of the US, no international effort can sufficiently fight climate change. As the world discusses post-Kyoto plans in Bali, the focus will be on prescribing methods to prevent further climate change, by lowering emissions, as well as helping the places already battling climate change to adapt. Such a treaty could provide incentives for developing countries to preserve large forests as carbon “sinks” while implementing an international Emissions Trading Scheme, similar to that of the EU. European countries have enacted legislation to tackle climate change without harm to their economies. Europe embraces a leading role in the drafting of a new climate treaty, and the many conflicting interests of the international community will undoubtedly test its diplomatic skill. – YaleGlobal