[19980731]98-2ENR_全球气候变化条约：《京都议定书》.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS Web98-2 ENRUpdated July 31, 1998Global Climate Change Treaty: The Kyoto ProtocolSusan R. FletcherSenior Analyst in International Environmental PolicyEnvironment and Natural Resources Policy DivisionSummaryNegotiations on the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Conventionon Climate Change (UNFCCC) were completed December 11, 1997, committing theindustrialized nations to specified, legally binding targets for emissions of six“greenhouse gases.” The treaty will open for signature on March 16, 1998. The UnitedStates played a prominent role in these negotiations, and agreed to a target of reducinggreenhouse gases by 7% below 1990 levels during a “commitment period” between2008-2012. Because of the way sinks, which remove these gases from the atmosphere,are counted and because of other provisions discussed in this report, the actual reductionof emissions required to meet the target within the United States is estimated to be lowerthan 7%. The Administration has indicated that until developing countries also makecommitments to participate in greenhouse gas limitations, it will