Green House Gases Emission Reduction:Targets and Achievements by Annex I Parties (1990-2012)

Objectives: To analyse target achievements of Annex 1 parties’ reduction of greenhouse gases emissions (GHG) by 2012as per 1^st phase of Kyoto Protocol. To analyse the methods used to achieve these targets.

Methods/Statistical analysis: Secondary data from World Development Indicators and UNFCCC websites have been used. Tabular method – totals and percentages have been computed to analyse differences in achievements of various countries. Pie graph is drawn to show the shares of compliant countries.

Findings: Overall GHG emission reduction from the 40 Annex 1 countries exceeded the target in 2012. However, 88% of this GHG decrease was due to the collapse of thirteen economies in transition (EIT). Of the remaining Annex 1 countries, only 13 had reduced, while the others had increased their emissions by 2012. Thus, the net decrease amounted to just 1.04% of 1990 levels in 2012, far below the Kyoto target of 5%. But for the historical chance of collapse of the socialist countries during this time period, the actual emissions reduction by these countries would have been negligible, thus defeating the purpose of the Kyoto Protocol. The Flexible mechanisms available to Annex 1 parties were also examined for their efficacy or otherwise towards cutting GHG emissions. We find many inadequacies in their implementation and functioning and their effectiveness in tackling climate change to ensure sustainable development. We did not find any earlier study of such an analysis.

Application: This analysis throws light on the manner in which Annex 1 countries are undertaking reduction of their GHG emissions. It shows that the actual achievement by 2012 in reducing GHGs has been negligible compared to the target. It shows the negligent attitude taken by most of the Annex 1 Parties, and the need to speed up the process of capping GHG emissions to negate climate change effects and to attain sustainable development. We feel that this paper will help to highlight the actual GHG reductions by Annex 1 parties, and the loopholes through which parties are escaping their emissions reducing responsibilities to combat climate change.