New Climate Proposal Hinges On Reaction Of US, China - Yomiuri Shimbun

[hatrack]

In other words, it's already DOA.

EDIT

The Kyoto Protocol stipulates country-by-country numerical targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Japan's new initiative is aimed at obtaining agreements from other countries to work toward a unified global target, and then to discuss how to meet this goal.

The main objective of the policy announced by Abe is to halve emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the current level by 2050. With this figure as the common global target, Abe argued that technological developments and other efforts should be made to ensure any reduction of greenhouse gas emissions does not impinge on economic growth.

The United States - the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases - steadfastly refuses to ratify the protocol. China, which is expected to surpass the United States eventually as the largest emitter of such gases, is not obliged to reduce its gas emissions under the protocol.

Given these circumstances, Abe's latest proposals are worth following up. To ensure the new framework is effective, the participation of the United States and China is essential.

EDIT

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/news/editorial/17294089.htm