Global Cooperation

Global cooperation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions may one day be a reality, despite numerous challenges. The map below shows countries that are committed to the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty aimed at stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere to avoid the adverse effects of anthropogenic climate change.  Countries shown in brown have signed and ratified the treaty, while countries in blue currently have no intention of ratifying the treaty.

Although there is widespread compliance, Canada withdrew from the treaty after failing to reduce emissions.  The USA, one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, has refused to comply (UNFCCC).  The Kyoto Protocol has been criticized by the US government for being too lenient on developing countries and too strict for developed countries (Frankel 2008).  The US government is also uncomfortable with the economic uncertainties of the Protocol; to meet its requirements, limiting greenhouse gas emissions may or may not be extremely costly (Edmonds 1998).  Others believe the emission cuts proposed by the treaty are still not deep enough for developed countries.  The Kyoto Protocol itself will not solve the problem of climate change, but it represents increasing willingness to cooperate in setting goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Source: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 2011: Kyoto Protocol

The Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate (APP) is another example of increasing global cooperation to mitigate climate change.  When the APP first formed, it was criticized by many as undermining the Kyoto Protocol, acting as a public relations stunt, and that it would be ineffective in reducing emissions.  Nevertheless, APP countries include Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the United States, which combined account for over half of the share of global carbon dioxide emissions.  If the intentions of the APP are sincere, then it has great potential in reducing overall carbon dioxide emissions greatly in the future (Karlsson-Vinkhuyzen 2009).

I have constructed two wedge analyses of my own to illustrate the importance of global cooperation and government policy in mitigating climate change.  The first graph shows the relative impact that each country or group of countries could have in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.  Individual countries that produce many emissions, such as the United States and China, can account for a single wedge.  Groups of countries such as the European Union and other developed countries can account for other wedges.  Note that the action of a single country or group of countries will not be enough to reduce emissions significantly.

The effectiveness of each entity's contribution depends on their own individual efforts to mitigate climate change.  The second graph shows the potential impacts of implementing carbon taxes, cap-and-trade systems, and research and development.  The effectiveness of each depends on how many countries adopt that approach, and to what degree they are willing to fund or implement it.