Doubts about the Kyoto Climate treaty

We have on numerous occasions warned the government against putting all eggs in the same climate-political basket. Now the eggs are smashed. First, the United States left the Kyoto process aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions etc. Japan is likely to follow unless President George W. Bush changes his mind. Several other important countries have already expressed doubts, including Australia and Canada. China, which has huge coal reserves, supports the process but the People's Republic doesn't accept emission reductions on its part.

What should be done? When the proposed measures are combined with major flaws, the cautionary principle should not trump all other considerations. In the climate issue we are faced with such a situation. It is wise to formulate what the United States calls a "no regrets policy". The gist of it is firstly to continue with climate research to make the best possible analysis of the problem. Secondly, with the cautionary principle in mind, take measures against greenhouse gas emissions -- but mainly with low- cost measures that are justified for other reasons than affecting the climate.

-- Svenska Dagbladet, Stockholm, Sweden