9. Kyoto - A start?

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In December 1997 most of the governments of the world were represented at a global conference held in Kyoto, Japan. The purpose of the meeting was to see if some agreement could be reached to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The countries of the world were divided into rich, 'developed' and poor, 'less-developed' nations.

The poorer nations argued that the greenhouse warming was largely a result of resource use by the wealthy nations and that they should be the first to cut emissions. Among the richer nations there was some disagreement with the US and Europe arguing over the size of the cuts that were required.

After a month of tense negotiations an agreement was reached. While there was no restrictions placed on developing nations, the wealthy countries agreed to cut emissions by 2010 to 94% of those in 1990. Ireland was actually allowed to increase its emissions to 113% of 1990 levels. However, since this agreement was signed Ireland has already exceeded this mark. We have yet to see what the penalties will be for failing to comply with our Kyoto commitment.