Legislators agree to discuss bill on Kyoto Protocol<\/p>\n
Kurniawan Hari, Jakarta<\/p>\n
The House of Representatives agreed on Thursday to discuss a bill
\non the Kyoto Protocol, paving the way for the country to ratify
\nthe international environmental treaty.<\/p>\n
Eight of the nine factions in the House expressed support for
\ndiscussing the protocol with government officials.<\/p>\n
Members of the Crescent Star Party (PBB) faction did not show
\nup for the hearing with State Minister for the Environment Nabiel
\nMakarim on Thursday.<\/p>\n
\"We do not know the final stance of the factions on this
\nissue. However, we all agree to discuss the bill,\" the chairman
\nof House Commission I for foreign affairs, Ibrahim Ambong, said
\non the sidelines of the hearing.<\/p>\n
Nabiel told the commission that Indonesia would derive
\nnumerous benefits if it ratified the Kyoto Protocol.<\/p>\n
\"Once Indonesia ratifies the Kyoto Protocol, it will show our
\ncommitment to maintaining our level of emissions of gasses that
\ncause the greenhouse effect,\" the minister said.<\/p>\n
Under the Kyoto Protocol, which was adopted in 1997, developed
\ncountries pledged to lower their greenhouse gas emissions
\nrelative to their levels in 1990. Those countries that are unable
\nto reduce their emissions must provide financial assistance to
\ncountries with low emissions, mostly developing countries, to
\nhelp them keep their greenhouse gas emissions at present levels.<\/p>\n
The protocol is officially known as the Kyoto Protocol to the
\nUnited Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.<\/p>\n
It was drawn up in response to a global increase in natural
\ndisasters and other phenomenon believed by many to be the result
\nof global warming. These included massive flooding, severe
\ndroughts, forest fires, rising sea levels, changing rain patterns
\nand the depletion of clean water.<\/p>\n
Research has shown that climate change and global warming are
\ncaused by changes in the composition of greenhouse gases
\nresulting from human activities and the burning of fossil fuels.<\/p>\n
The protocol will only come into force after it is signed by
\nat least 55 countries whose total greenhouse gas emissions
\naccounted for at least 55 percent of global emissions in 1990,
\nwhich was 13.7 gigatons.<\/p>\n
The United States, which accounts for 36.1 percent of
\ngreenhouse gas emissions, has refused to sign the protocol.<\/p>\n
Nabiel emphasized that the Kyoto Protocol adopted the
\nprinciple of \"common but differentiated responsibilities\".<\/p>\n
As of May 14 last year, 108 countries had submitted
\ninstruments for the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.<\/p>\n
Nabiel said all countries, developed and developing, had a
\nrole to play in protecting the ecosystem.<\/p>\n
He said Indonesia, as a developing country, could receive
\nfunds from developed countries that had signed the Kyoto
\nProtocol.<\/p>\n
Legislator Imam Addaruqutni of the Reform faction said the
\ngovernment must provide a thorough explanation of projected
\nemission reduction targets.<\/p>\n
\"The government should prepare a bill on clean development
\nmechanisms,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Sutradara Gintings of the Indonesia Nationhood United (KKI)
\nfaction suggested the government set up an office to deal with
\nthe issue.<\/p>\n
\"The implementation of the Kyoto Protocol will also require
\nthe diplomatic skills of foreign ministry officials,\" he said.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/legislators-agree-to-discuss-bill-on-kyoto-protocol-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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