Japan must take initiative to ratify Kyoto Protocol against global warming

Amid increasing protests in the world against the U.S. Bush administration's decision to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol against global warming, Akahata's editorial of April 8 called on the Japanese government to take the initiative now in ratifying the accord and urge the U.S. to do the same.

The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997 to make every industrial country duty-bound to achieve a target of cutting emissions of carbon dioxide and other gasses with greenhouse effects. As a result of a strong U.S. request, however, it includes a mechanism which virtually discounts the targets through such options as trade in right of emissions and technical transfer.

It is irresponsible of the U.S. to abandon the accord which was softened to suit itself. It is a breach of trust in international politics.

For the accord to take effect, it must be ratified by 55 countries or more, including a majority of the industrial countries with large emissions. The U.S. has great responsibility, as its gas emissions account for 36 percent of 34 countries combined.

The accord has targets for emissions to be reduced by 6 percent by Japan, 7 percent by the U.S., and by 8 percent by EU from 2008 to 2012. Seven years before reduction begins, 33 countries ratified the accord, but only one industrial country is included.

It is important for Japan to urge the U.S. to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and to help it take effect. (end)