EcoSpace.cc - Kyoto II- Last Chance?

Scientists have shown that in order to keep global warming and climate change from reaching truly devastating levels every country needs to lower its carbon output by 27% each year. That means starting now. Kyoto II, a plan to be decided on at meetings in Copenhagen next autumn, has the potential to completely change the current apocalyptic trajectory of our fossil fuel consuming society. Understanding it’s principles and letting our governments know that we support the transition to green technology is one of the most important things we can do for the next year of our lives.With the recent election of Barack Obama it seems there may be extra potential for change the worlds most consumer-based culture.

Basically what Kyoto II proposes is that a sort of auction be set up where fossil fuel companies would be obliged to buy permits for carbon emissions. They would only be allowed to produce as much as they had bought permits for. In addition, the permits prices would increase alongside the increasing scarcity of fossil fuels as a resource. This means that green technologies will become increasingly financially viable for companies and individuals because petrol based technologies will no longer seem like and easy solution when we need energy. The purchasing of these permits will produce an estimated $1 trillion per year (that’s 1000 billion!)which can then be invested in clean, green energy!
...
One of the major concerns is of course whether or not the United States will sign on, seeing as they refused to do so with the last Kyoto agreement. With the recent election results I would say there is room to be hopeful. Politicians are influenced by their voter base. If we make it clear that we understand the immediate need for non-petrol based sources of energy, if we make it clear that we are concerned and demanding change, it will be difficult for the world politicians not to listen.
There is really no more time to waste on this issue. We have reached a state of peak everything, as Richard Heinberg puts it, and there is no room left for denial. We need to educate each other about the true urgency of this situation. Lets not let this one slide!