Global Warming Conference in Montreal Turns Back U.S. Attempt to Derail Kyoto Treaty

Interview with Alden Meyer, energy special with Union of Concern Scientists, conducted by Melinda Tuhus

As representatives of 163 nations wound up climate change talks in Montreal in mid-December, many environmental groups were critical of what they saw as a lack of progress, and particularly the negative role of the U.S. government. Under the Bush administration, the U.S. "un-signed" the 1992 Kyoto Protocol global warming treaty. The protocol sets a goal for industrialized nations to reduce carbon dioxide and other green house gas emissions by five percent below 1990 levels by 2012 -- and to reduce emissions by 20 to 30 percent by the year 2020.

The U.S., which currently produces 25 percent of worldwide emissions, is among the very few industrialized nations - including Australia -- that have declined to participate in the global warming treaty. Kyoto goals do not currently apply to developing nations such as India and China, even as emissions from those countries are contributing a greater percentage to the total amount of gasses produced globally.

Between The Lines' Melinda Tuhus spoke with Alden Meyer, an energy specialist with the Union of Concerned Scientists, who has been working on climate change issues since 1989. While much analyses of the Montreal gathering asserted the only result was to agree to more meetings, Meyer -- who is very critical of the U.S. role -- was nevertheless upbeat about the meeting and what it portends for the future of climate change work.

Contact Union of Concerned Scientists by calling (617) 547-5552 or visit their website at www.ucsusa.org

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