Emissions still rising despite Kyoto

Governments around the world are failing to take control of their greenhouse gas emissions despite the Kyoto Protocol being in force for a full year, environmental group Friends of the Earth has claimed. Italy, Canada and Austria’s emissions have risen since the baseline year of 1990, and the UK has experiencing rising levels in recent years, putting Kyoto commitments at risk.

"Countries are not even on track to meet even their modest Kyoto targets, despite growing recognition that we are already facing dramatic consequences as a result of climate change,” said Friends of the Earth's International Climate Campaigner Catherine Pearce. “If we have any hope of keeping temperature increases under control while we still have time, governments around the world must do more to improve energy efficiency, clean up our use of fossil fuels and invest more in sustainable, safe renewables."

The UK Government reiterated its support of renewables earlier in the month, despite strong hints over a possible return to nuclear.

"One year on from Kyoto coming into force, we must look to a stronger improved Kyoto after 2012. But the strength of the post 2012 climate regime will inevitably depend on how much progress has already been made. Industrialised countries must show greater leadership and provide more support so that developing countries can follow suit," added Catherine Pearce.