Legislators agree to discuss bill on Kyoto Protocol
Legislators agree to discuss bill on Kyoto Protocol
Kurniawan Hari, Jakarta
The House of Representatives agreed on Thursday to discuss a bill
on the Kyoto Protocol, paving the way for the country to ratify
the international environmental treaty.
Eight of the nine factions in the House expressed support for
discussing the protocol with government officials.
Members of the Crescent Star Party (PBB) faction did not show
up for the hearing with State Minister for the Environment Nabiel
Makarim on Thursday.
"We do not know the final stance of the factions on this
issue. However, we all agree to discuss the bill," the chairman
of House Commission I for foreign affairs, Ibrahim Ambong, said
on the sidelines of the hearing.
Nabiel told the commission that Indonesia would derive
numerous benefits if it ratified the Kyoto Protocol.
"Once Indonesia ratifies the Kyoto Protocol, it will show our
commitment to maintaining our level of emissions of gasses that
cause the greenhouse effect," the minister said.
Under the Kyoto Protocol, which was adopted in 1997, developed
countries pledged to lower their greenhouse gas emissions
relative to their levels in 1990. Those countries that are unable
to reduce their emissions must provide financial assistance to
countries with low emissions, mostly developing countries, to
help them keep their greenhouse gas emissions at present levels.
The protocol is officially known as the Kyoto Protocol to the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
It was drawn up in response to a global increase in natural
disasters and other phenomenon believed by many to be the result
of global warming. These included massive flooding, severe
droughts, forest fires, rising sea levels, changing rain patterns
and the depletion of clean water.
Research has shown that climate change and global warming are
caused by changes in the composition of greenhouse gases
resulting from human activities and the burning of fossil fuels.
The protocol will only come into force after it is signed by
at least 55 countries whose total greenhouse gas emissions
accounted for at least 55 percent of global emissions in 1990,
which was 13.7 gigatons.
The United States, which accounts for 36.1 percent of
greenhouse gas emissions, has refused to sign the protocol.
Nabiel emphasized that the Kyoto Protocol adopted the
principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities".
As of May 14 last year, 108 countries had submitted
instruments for the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.
Nabiel said all countries, developed and developing, had a
role to play in protecting the ecosystem.
He said Indonesia, as a developing country, could receive
funds from developed countries that had signed the Kyoto
Protocol.
Legislator Imam Addaruqutni of the Reform faction said the
government must provide a thorough explanation of projected
emission reduction targets.
"The government should prepare a bill on clean development
mechanisms," he said.
Sutradara Gintings of the Indonesia Nationhood United (KKI)
faction suggested the government set up an office to deal with
the issue.
"The implementation of the Kyoto Protocol will also require
the diplomatic skills of foreign ministry officials," he said.