Less than a year later, the climate experts met again in Buenos Aires.
Stuart Eizenstat, leader of the U.S. delegation said, "The ball is moving in the right direction. The United States of America today has signed the Kyoto Protocol."
He warned, however, that signing has no binding force. Only ratification can bind a party to stick to the Agreement.
In a press release, President Clinton stated, "By this, the U.S. reconfirms our obligation to fight the biggest challenge in
Stuart Eizenstat, leader of the U.S. delegation said, "The ball is moving in the right direction. The United States of America today has signed the Kyoto Protocol."
He warned, however, that signing has no binding force. Only ratification can bind a party to stick to the Agreement.
In a press release, President Clinton stated, "By this, the U.S. reconfirms our obligation to fight the biggest challenge in
environmental questions: worldwide climate change."
Eizenstat, as well as Clinton, however, presented again what the U.S. had taken off the table in Kyoto, by stressing, "We hope for progress in assuring that there is a meaningful participation by important developing countries."
Minister Pronk has always said that industrialised nations cannot ask for a contribution from poor countries, immediately, when starting implementation of the Kyoto Protocol. This would be possible only later, when Europe, America and Japan have shown effective action.
Eizenstat, as well as Clinton, however, presented again what the U.S. had taken off the table in Kyoto, by stressing, "We hope for progress in assuring that there is a meaningful participation by important developing countries."
Minister Pronk has always said that industrialised nations cannot ask for a contribution from poor countries, immediately, when starting implementation of the Kyoto Protocol. This would be possible only later, when Europe, America and Japan have shown effective action.
Many negotiators from developed countries agree.
The U.S., however, sees the emissions of a country like China as important enough to regulate now.
At present, about a quarter of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions originate from the U.S. In 2015, China would pass the U.S. in this respect, if no action is taken now – is the Bush position.
Seriously
"The Bush Administration is taking climate change very seriously", Dobriansky said in the Plenary in Bonn.
The U.S., however, sees the emissions of a country like China as important enough to regulate now.
At present, about a quarter of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions originate from the U.S. In 2015, China would pass the U.S. in this respect, if no action is taken now – is the Bush position.
Seriously
"The Bush Administration is taking climate change very seriously", Dobriansky said in the Plenary in Bonn.