Global Warming Treaty Takes Effect February 16, Leaves U.S. Behind

(15 February, 2005 - - Washington)  Tomorrow the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change will go into effect, using the power of market-based solutions to start the first-ever controls on greenhouse gas pollution in more than 125 participating nations.  Despite the worldwide scientific consensus on global warming, the U.S. has refused to join this international effort.

The Kyoto Protocol caps greenhouse gas pollution in thirty-five nations, and allows polluters to earn tradable credits for cutting emissions any place in the world that has ratified the Protocol.  Emissions trading has already begun in thirty-seven nations.

“The Kyoto Protocol is launching real cuts in global warming pollution around the world and is stimulating new technologies with huge potential for creating jobs in cleaner energy and more sustainable agriculture,” said Environmental Defense international counsel Annie Petsonk.  “The Protocol has already begun to create new markets for technologies, for jobs creating and building those technologies, and for emissions trading on a global scale.  Unfortunately, while these new markets are moving ahead, the U.S. is being left behind.” 

In the U.S., a number of states are moving forward with climate policy, and whole regions of the country are charting new courses of action.  “It’s really time for the U.S. to step forward as a nation and take global warming seriously,” said Steve Cochran, Environmental Defense director of strategic communications.  “The opportunities for smart policy are there, and the world is moving forward.  The time for action is now.”