MEDIA REACTION ON THE KYOTO PROTOCOL, MARCH 1, 2005

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FOR WHA/PDA, OES, EB, AND WHA/CEN
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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KPAO PREL SENV HO
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON THE KYOTO PROTOCOL, MARCH 1, 2005



1. Editorial in San Pedro Sula-based liberal daily "La Prensa" on
2/27, entitled "The Kyoto Protocol." "The implementation of the
Kyoto Protocol has forced thirty four countries that have
ratified it to reduce the emission of greenhouse effect gases by

2012. This has been an important first step taken by Japan, the
European Union, Canada, and Russia, some of the industrialized
countries which are mostly responsible of the pollution in the
atmosphere."

"The U.S., the world's worst polluter, is not involved in this
international effort for our survival. Furthermore, China, the
second-worst polluter, ratified the Protocol but it isn't
actually compelled to follow it. Both Washington and Beijing
have quickly expressed their will to cooperate to reduce the
emission of gases as long as it does not affect their economies,
which will prevent a full implementation of the Protocol, as it
has been acknowledged by several environmentalists who have
already started to work on a new agreement which will include the
U.S. and some of the so-called emerging economies, such as China,
India, and Brazil."

"There's no doubt that the action of humanity on the planet,
which has exponentially grown since the Industrial Revolution,
has had a negative effect on the environment. The efforts to
revert the consequences of global warming are crucial to ensure
survival on Earth. Taking care of our planet means to save
lives. Is that so difficult to understand? We do not think so."

Palmer