Some environmentalists claim that people in developing nations should face the same pollution restrictions as those in developed nations. Others claimed that people in developing nations shouldn't be limited in terms of their activity, and should be allowed pollute as necessary to ensure their economic development.
Many international meetings have been held to encourage global cooperation on the global warming issue. In Rio de Janeiro in 1992, a United Nations Framework Convention On Climate Change was held for nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By 1993, 166 nations had agreed to make efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In 1997, the Kyoto Convention was held in Japan. This was an opportunity for nations to review the Rio de Janerio Convention of 1992 and its agreements, and to reflect on the progress made. It was discovered that most countries hadn't met up to their commitments, and that a new protocol needed to be developed. By the end of the convention, it was agreed that all nations that chose to sign would agree to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions, and to develop environmental ethics. To date, 84 countries have signed the Kyoto Protocol, and 120 countries have ratified the Kyoto Protocol.
In the Summer of 2002, another United Nations Framework Convention On Climate Change was held in Johannesburg, South Africa to allow more discussion on the global warming issue. The Canadian government stated that it had ratified the Kyoto Accord, and planned to tax businesses based on their carbon dioxide emissions. Canada still has yet to sign the Kyoto Accord.
To date, 166 countries have signed the UN Convention, and 188 countries have ratified the UN Convention, including Canada. The goals of the UN Convention are very similar to the Kyoto Accord, and will be updated at every UN Convention meeting, slated to take place once every 10 years. (Click here to read Canada's commitments to the Kyoto Accord).
Those nations that signed the Kyoto Accord agreed to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions to 1990 levels by 2007; those that won't will be punished with economic consequences. In addition, developed nations proposed to trade the right to pollute, and to assist each other in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Now that these important conventions have taken place, it seems that there is a positive future for our environment. I am pleased that nations have communicated with each other, and saught solutions to the global warming issue. Below, I provide a few of the solutions nations have proposed, or already pursued, to stop global warming:
1. Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions. The governments of developed nations should tax businesses and industries based on their carbon dioxide emissions, while being mindful of the economy at the same time. This taxing will lead to a gradual reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, thus leading us closer to sustainable development.
2. Encourage Afforestation. Deforestation is a hazard for the environment. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, and release oxygen in return. With carbon dioxide levels increasing worldwide, trees have a vital role in sustaining our environment. Today, we should encourage afforestation programs (to grow trees), and seek governmental protection to sensitive and vital forests. If commerical and agricultural deforestation continues, the world's rainforests will disappear in 100 years, causing unknown effects on the Earth's environment and eliminating the majority of the world's plant and animal species. In addition, certain plants of rainforests have been found to hold cures to certain diseases and ailments. We should therefore allow doctors and scientists to study these plants and their potential cures.
Efforts to save rainforests could have a positive impact on economies worldwide. As mentioned above, rainforests could hold exciting opportunities for pharmaceutical companies. Tourist companies could also benefit, provided that they provide environmentally safe tours of the rainforest. In addition, we must respect the tribes that inhabit rain forests worldwide, and be mindful of their culture, customs, and traditions. Afforestation will also help preserve the biodiversity of jungles, and the wide array of animals and plants that inhabit these jungles. Many of these animals and plants are very close to extinction as a result of deforestation; afforestation will uphold the web of life and ensure a healthy, diverse environment of animals and plants in rain forests for many more years to come.
