The climate change is not a new and topical issue, but one that countries have been working on since 1972. It is one of the main concerns of modern society, as we are at a time of growth and development that may have irreversible consequences. How can technology help solve this global warming?
Technology plays an important role in today's world, as it can play its part in the sustainable development and take the necessary measures to ensure that its progress has the least possible consequences. In today's article we would like to explain the Kyoto Protocol, its importance and current status.
Are you ready? Let's get started!
Background to the Kyoto Protocol
As we have been saying, in 1972 it all started with the Stockholm Earth Summit. Here, the United Nations (UN), raised issues such as transboundary pollution or environmental degradation with 179 participating countries. Afterwards, in 1979, was held on Global Climate Conference in Geneva, where it was accepted that climate change was a real problem, requiring special attention.
However, the first major environmental agreement binding the majority of the world's countries together came in 1987, in the framework of the Montreal Protocol. Here, the UN succeeded in getting many countries to sign up to the goal of eliminating chlorofluorocarbons, which are responsible for the destruction of the ozone layer. After this resounding encounter, we will come to our topic today: the Kyoto Protocol.
What is the Kyoto Protocol?
The Kyoto Protocol was given in 1997, in the United Nations Climate Change Conference, held in the Japanese city. The aim of this summit was none other than to tackle global warming through the greenhouse gas reduction. Above all, the aim was to involve the European Union and 37 industrialised countries.
The agreements were signed by the EU in 2002, but did not enter into force until 2025 with Russia's ratification. In the first period, these countries committed themselves to ro reduce pollutant emissions by at least 5.2 % on 2008 y 2012. For this purpose, the levels reached in 1990 were taken as a reference.
However, as we have said, in order for the Kyoto Protocol to enter into force required ratification by at least 55 countries. However, only the European Union and Japan joined, while other major industrialised countries such as China, Australia and the United States rejected the agreement.
And was there a second period? Of course, starting in 2013 in the Doha Amendment and ending in 2020. Here they were going to commit to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 18 %, taking 1990 as the baseline. What happened? Once again, polluting countries such as United States, Russia or Canada did not sign this extension.
The Paris Climate Summit, now in force
The Kyoto Protocol lost its validity in 2020, but in 2015 already held the Climate Summit (COP 21) from Paris, The aim was to negotiate the protocol that would replace the Kyoto Protocol. This was called Paris Agreement, And what did they include? For example, the goal of keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius, with the intention of reaching 1.5 degrees.
In this respect, the UN has always sought the involvement of different actors in society. Not only countries, but also companies, NGOs and citizens. Combating climate change is only possible with a united world. For example, in the Madrid COP 177 companies were engaged in emission reductions.
What can technology contribute to the fight against climate change?
The technology plays a fundamental role in the achievement of the objectives set out in the Kyoto Protocol, as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Here, technological advances have been made to reduce, capture and monitor emissions, doing their bit in the fight against climate change.
For example, the progress in renewable energies, emissions, such as solar and wind power, enable carbon-free energy generation. On the other hand, the smart grids optimise energy distribution, reducing waste and improving consumption efficiency. Finally, the technology enabled carbon capture and storage (CCS), which allows carbon dioxide to be collected directly from the atmosphere.
Technology also helps in analysis and monitoring. We have satellites, sensors and big data tools that help us predict weather patterns, measure emissions levels and complete more accurate and agile environmental management. In conclusion, governments and businesses are making better decisions and implementing better policies thanks to the technological advances that are taking place.
Is technology responsible for accelerating climate change?
Although technology has developed advances that allow us to fight climate change, it has also developed a series of bad practices that accelerate this process. For example, the production of technological devices consumes an estimated large amount of natural resources and generates electronic waste. If not properly recycled, it releases toxic substances that affect both soil and water.
Another example is the energy consumption of data centres and communication networks. As digital traffic and demand for cloud services increases, so does electricity use. As a result, excessive consumption results in higher carbon emissions, which contradicts the targets set out in the Kyoto Protocol.
In line with this fact, we have the development of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence, which require a number of continuously connected devices, requiring a lot of energy. Both the manufacture and disposal of these devices can be very polluting.
Thus, we conclude that technology is essential to achieve sustainable development and a different recycling model. However, the sector must first focus on how to minimise its impact on the environment.
Español 
English (UK) 
Français