SANTA BARBARA PROTOCOL
TO BE INCLUDED AS AN AMENDMENT TO THE KYOTO PROTOCOL
TO THE UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION
ON CLIMATE CHANGE
The Parties to this
Protocol,
Being Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change, hereinafter referred to as "the Convention,"
In pursuit of the ultimate objective of establishing an environmental
protocol that promotes sustainable development,
Acknowledging that change in the Earth's climate and its adverse effects
are a common concern of humankind,
Concerned that human activities have been substantially increasing the
atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, that these increases
enhance the natural greenhouse effect, and that this will result on
average in an additional warming of the Earth's surface and atmosphere
and may adversely affect natural ecosystems and humankind,
Aware of the limited resources of non-renewable energy, and the likelihood
of international conflict arising from the dependence of energy between
nations,
Aware of the role and importance of terrestrial and marine ecosystems
of sinks and reservoirs in absorbing greenhouse gases emitted by human
activities,
Propose this amendment to the Kyoto protocol as a global effort--under
the lead of capable Annex I nations with able support from non-Annex
I nations--to stabilize climate change with wide ranging programs that
require active cooperation and sustained effort at global, regional,
national, and local levels.
Have agreed to amend the Kyoto protocol as follows:
Article 1 - Definitions
For the purposes of this amendment to the Kyoto Protocol, the definitions
contained in Article 1 of the Convention and in Article 1 of the Kyoto
Protocol shall apply. In addition, the following extended definitions
and abridged scientific explanations shall serve as reference to this
amendment:
Annex I Nations: The nations that signed the 1997 Kyoto Protocol as
Annex I nations.
Alternative/Renewable Energy: Any form of energy that is not primarily
fossil fuel-based.
Alternative/Renewable Energy Technology: Any technology used in order
to produce or advance the field of alternative/renewable energy (including
nuclear power).
Carbon Credit; A credit allotted to allow trading among nations, or
cooperative partnerships of countries (as defined in Article 8), signatory
to this protocol. One carbon credit is allotted per each ton of carbon
dioxide (or carbon dioxide equivalent for other greenhouse gases) emitted.
Carbon Dioxide Equivalent: A metric measure used to compare the emissions
from various greenhouse gases based upon their global warming potential.
The carbon dioxide equivalent for a gas is derived by multiplying the
tons of the gas by the associated GWP.
Carbon Sinks: Forests, oceans and other ecosystems that absorb carbon,
thereby removing it from the atmosphere and offsetting CO2 emissions.
It includes coral reefs, mangroves, rainforests, other underwater vegetation,
roots and decaying biomass that store carbon below ground.
Carbon Sink Hierarchy: Carbon Sinks can be subdivided into two major
types: (i) Terrestrial: Since different carbon sinks have different
capacity to absorb carbon, the parties propose to classify the carbon
sinks based on their latitude, elevation, ecosystem type, biodiversity,
soil moisture, and age, and (ii) Aquatic: Aquatic carbon sinks can be
broadly divided into marine and freshwater types. The parties propose
that they be subdivided by their latitude, depth, biodiversity, ecosystem
type, and phytoplankton concentrations.
Carbon trading: A system for emission trading in which countries, or
cooperative partnerships of countries (as defined in Article 8), that
exceed their target emissions can remain in compliance by purchasing
surplus permits from other countries.
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): A bilateral effort made by an Annex
I country or country with emission reduction commitments outlined under
Annex B to reduce the green house gas emissions of a Non Annex I country
in return for emission reduction units equivalent to the amount of that
reduction.
Credit allocation grandfathering: Emissions units are distributed with
respect to a given levels (1995 in this case). For each ton the nation
emitted in 1995 they will be assigned one carbon credit.
Domestic Actions: Any national policies and measures contributing to
a verified emission reduction.
Emission Reduction Unit: A unit allotted under the requirements articulated
in the following articles and in accordance with a verified emission
reduction that is equal to one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent,
calculated using internationally agreed upon global warming potentials
which may be redefined as deemed necessary by a conference of the Parties.
One carbon credit can be earned by any participating nation through
verification of protection of natural carbon sinks supporting absorption
of one ton GHG emissions or through verification of same reduction in
partner nation.
Global Warming Potential (GWP): The individual contribution of particular
gases to the greenhouse effect, relative to carbon dioxide. Such estimates
depend on the physical behavior of each kind of molecule and its lifetime
in the atmosphere, as well as the gas's concentration. Both direct and
indirect effects due to interaction with other gases and radicals must
be taken into account.
Greenhouse Gases (GHG): Carbon dioxide (CO2), Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Methane (CH4), Nitrous oxide (N2O), Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons
(PFCs), Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)
Joint Implementation: Bilateral or multilateral cooperation among Parties
with the intent of reducing GHG emissions or mitigating the adverse
effects of climate change.
Population Stabilization: Population stabilization is a proposed action
to reduce population growth rate with the aim of reducing population
growth to, or below, replacement levels. This action is in response
to climate change and the need for GHG emission reduction.
Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs.
Verified Emission Reduction (VER): The affirmed reduction in GHGs calculated
using the global warming potential as stipulated in the previous definition
and measured in carbon dioxide equivalent. A verified emission reduction
may necessitate the confirmation by an intergovernmental body of experts.
Verified Carbon Sink Estimation (VCSE) Methods: The accepted methods
used to calculate the carbon storage capacity of carbon sinks and confirmed
by an intergovernmental body of experts, as outlined in Article 4. These
methods include the use of but are not limited to: land-based measurements,
data from marine oil platforms, and satellite images that give the forest
coverage area, amount of photosynthesis, and CO2 intake.
Article 2 - Principles
Furthermore, the following principles shall guide this protocol:
Precautionary Principle: Lack of full and complete scientific evidence
should not be used as reason for postponing step-by-step measures that
can be implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, when
taking action, it is important to use discretion and take into consideration
the amount of scientific consensus and economic influence that restrictions
and protocols will have on the global society and economy.
Sustainable Development: Sustainable development, the ability to provide
for today without compromising the ability of future generations to
provide for themselves, shall be supported. However, it should be recognized
that each country's development will be different and dependent upon
their unique situation. By implementing changes on a global scale towards
a sustainable climate, the creation of alternative technologies and
funding should promote a goal to increase the overall quality of health,
environment, and community around the world.
Sovereignty: The exercise of, or right to exercise, supreme power; dominion;
supremacy; independence. Every country has the ultimate right to decide
the usage and worth of their capital/resources pursuant to their own
environmental, economic, medical, governmental, and developmental policies
and future.
Duty to Cooperate: Parties shall use cooperative efforts among themselves
to address climate change. These activities include, but are not limited
to, trading emission credits, research and implementation of renewable
energy sources and more effective use of natural resources, education,
and capacity building such as the Clean Development Mechanism and Joint
Implementation of technologies.
Common But Differentiated Responsibilities: As leaders in technological
innovation , Annex I nations should be encouraged to take the lead in
taking global action to stabilize climate change. Nevertheless, non-Annex
I nations should be encouraged to take national and/or local actions
within their means to curb emissions and pollution.
Common Heritage of Humankind: Biodiversity - Each Party should take
responsibility for the conservation of natural resources, including
forests, water resources within their territory and prevent further
degradation of these resources. Biodiversity loss degrades terrestrial
and aquatic ecosystems, which reduces the ability of these ecosystems
to regenerate as effective carbon sinks.
Alternative Energy: The Parties agree that an international effort to
reduce emissions using alternative energy technologies should be established.
All nations must strive to implment a strategy that promotes the phasing
in of renewable energy to reduce global emissions in both Annex I and
non-Annex I countries.
Population Stabilization: The Parties agree that population stabilization
plays an important role in the reduction of GHG emissions. All nations
should support the development of the status of women and availability
of education on family planning.
Education: Recognizing that education is fundamental to raising global
awareness to the consequent impacts of global climate change and mitigation
of those impacts, the Parties shall encourage programs of localized
education on the environment, alternative energy sources and technology,
agriculture and reproductive needs.
Common Concerns of Humankind:
• World's Forests -The Parties agree that all nations should take
responsibility for the conservation of the world's forests, within their
territory and prevent further degradation of these resources. Deforestation,
like climate change, is a global problem. While there are many factors
contributing to deforestation, the parties agree to explore efficient
forest use and address issues involving forest clearing for cattle ranching
and cash crops. The Parties also agree to replant cleared forests wherever
feasible.
• World's water resources - The Parties agree that all nations
should take responsibilities prevent further degradation of their water
resources
Article 3 - Amendment
The Parties recognizing that:
1) Anthropogenic carbon dioxide has the largest human-induced impact
on climate at this time;
2) The global reductions in carbon dioxide required to fully abate its
detrimental impacts will have a high cost, will require sacrifice and
the fellowship of humankind in a manner never achieved before, and will
take time to be effective;
Propose an amendment to the Kyoto Protocol that endorses an active reduction
of the main emissions defined in Article 1 of the Kyoto Protocol leading
to global warming (positive radiative forcing) by all Parties, while
acknowledging the difference between and within the Parties that are
still developing and those developed. The terms of commitment in this
amendment are relative to each Party's individual needs, abilities and
willingness to cooperate.
Through this amendment the Parties commit to a strategy whereby each
participating Party focuses on limiting emissions that lead to a positive
radiative forcing and therefore, shall:
a) Implement a carbon emission credit trading strategy which can be
applied to individual nations or partnerships of nations; a “carbon
equivalent” credit trading mechanism will be implemented in 2015
(as is described in Article 4),
b) Promote the protection of existing carbon sinks while attempting
to create more,
c) Develop and implement a motor transportation emission limitation
strategy that will lead to the stabilization and eventual reduction
of GHG emissions from motor vehicles globally,
d) Develop a strategy that promotes a transition from fossil fuels to
alternative energy that reflects the abilities of the Parties,
e) Promote the development of a technology sharing and transfer program
involving cooperative partnerships between nations through which carbon
credits can be earned through the exchanging of technology that verifiably
reduced emissions in a Non-Annex I country,
f) Acknowledging the importance of population growth as a factor in
greenhouse gas emissions, promote the stabilization of population,
g) acknowledging the importance of monitoring, a taskforce of scientists
and field delegates will be assembled to ensure the monitoring of the
hereafter articles.
Article 4 - Carbon
Trading
The parties to this protocol agree to use carbon trading as a method
of attaining global goals of Greenhouse gas emissions control.
The Annex I nations signatory to this protocol agree to:
1) Reduce carbon dioxide (or carbon dioxide equivalent after 2010) emission
to a target level equal or below 1995 carbon dioxide emission level
as expressed in Appendix 1 to this protocol .The target level assigned
to each nation must be achieved by 2015,
2) Trade carbon credits exclusively with complying nations and partnerships
of complying nations,
3) Use the purchase of credits as a means to remain in balance with
assigned target level,
4) Invest at least 25% of carbon trading revenue in any of the issues
addressed in this protocol and including water treatment and pollution
prevention.
Non-Annex I nations
signatory of this protocol agree that:
1) Non-Annex I nations shall automatically ascend to Annex I status
(i) after reaching and retaining for three years (referred to as the
‘three year observation period’) a GDP per capita of one-third
the average GDP per capita of original Annex I nations. All GDP per
capita mentioned above shall be measured using Purchasing Power Parity,
and (ii) less than 15 % of the population must be below the poverty
level.
2) The Non-Annex I nation ascending to Annex I status will be assigned
target emission levels equal to the average of the measurements from
the seven-year period starting with the “three year observation
period”.
3) The Non-Annex I nation ascending to Annex I status can begin Carbon
Trading as soon as they have singed the protocol and have been assigned
their target emissions.
4) The specification for original Annex I nations can be modified to
include newly added nations during future negotiations.
The nations signatory
of this protocol consent to abide by the following guidelines for the
design and implementation of the carbon trading system:
1) A global committee will be established by signatory nations to oversee
the carbon-trading program. The committee will be responsible for the
following:
a) Establish global measurement scale of GHG emissions
b) Auditing and random verification of annual GHG emission reports of
member nations
c) Broker international carbon market
d) Levy & collect a flat tax on the purchase of carbon credits
e) Funds from (d) will be used to operate the global committee. Until
2015 (when carbon trading will come into effect), all parties in a manner
proportionate to their trading activity shall share the operational
costs of this committee. No individual nation will incur more than 25%
of the total cost for the committee.
f) Enforce penalty (proportionate to Market Value) on nations not in
compliance with target level
g) Excess funds on top of the committee costs (d) and (f) will be allocated
to nations taking significant effort to implement clean energy.
h) Value of tax should be re-evaluated in 2020 based on excess revenue.
Such excess revenue shall be used in the manner directed in (g).
i) After 2015 committee will meet every five years to reassign target
levels, credit allocations, and included GHGs.
2) Initial allocation of credits are as follows:
a) 1 credit = 1 ton CO2 emissions or GHG equivalent
b) Credit allocation “grandfathered” according to 1995 emission
levels (see Appendix 1)
c) Nations can earn emission reduction units by providing evidence of
significant growth of anthropogenic carbon sinks (in accord with Article
5)
d) Nations can earn emissions credits by providing reviewed evidence
of significant technological or financial aid to non-Annex I countries
which contributed to decreases in carbon emissions in those non-Annex
I countries (in accord with Article 3 and Article 8)
e) Nations can earn emission reduction units through increasing carbon
sink viability of water (in accord with Article 5)
3) Countries must provide annual GHG emission reports showing progress
towards 2015 target level. Domestic projects in clean energy and environmental
improvement must work in conjunction with carbon trading to reach target
levels.
Article 5 - Carbon
Sinks
1) GrassRoots Environmental Education Network (GREEN)
Recognizing
that addressing the global causes of and containing deforestation require
urgent attention and that many factors contribute, directly or indirectly,
to deforestation (including logging, mining, and rural communities,
unequal distribution of economic and political power, indifference towards
political corruption, population growth, incoherent government policies,
operation of transnational corporations, and global demand for timber),
the parties to this protocol agree to provide funding through carbon
trading revenues to establish and maintain the GrassRoots Environmental
Education Network (GREEN), which seeks to address local environmental
problems by empowering indigenous people through education and training.
The network will include NGOs, governmental organizations, and indigenous
people.
GREEN will address deforestation and natural resource contamination
-including water, air, and soil. At the governmental level, GREEN will
educate policy makers and, at the local level, it will educate indigenous
people about issues concerning sustainable development, sustainable
population growth, reforestation, agro-forestry, preserving biodiversity,
efficient logging practices, alternatives to timber, and forest regeneration.
2) Timber Alternatives Project (TAP)
The parties to this protocol further agree that Annex I countries can
accrue emissions reduction units proportionate to their decrease in
timber import and consumption. This reduction in timber import and consumption
can be achieved by using cleaner alternatives to timber like plastic
and recycled steel.
3) Carbon Sink Sharing Program
The parties also agree to implement the Carbon Sink Sharing Program
to enable any nation to accrue emission reduction units with joint implementation
of carbon sink preservation and regeneration projects in non-Annex I
countries.
Article 6 - Motor Vehicles
Motor
Vehicle Emission Reductions
All Nations signatory to this protocol have committed to a binding reduction
in motor vehicle emissions and agree to show demonstrable progress towards
their respective goals by 2015. All new vehicles coming out after 2015
for non-Annex (I countries) will have to meet increasingly stringent
emissions requirements to be determined during the next Conference of
Parties (COP) meeting.
At least 15% of the total national emission reduction should come from
the motor transportation sector.
Mechanisms could include:
1) Voluntary agreements by manufacturers,
2) National Fuel efficiency standards within feasible levels,
3) National Tailpipe greenhouse gas standards,
4) Financial incentives, including registration reduction for lawabider,
5) pushing for the development of more public transportation
All annex I Nations agree that unleaded fuel shall completely replace
leaded fuel and near-zero sulfur levels (10 ppm or less) should be introduced
in all fuels by 2010.
All Non annex I Nations further agree that the stipulations above must
be met by 2015.
Reporting
Annual reports of emission levels will be presented to annual summit
meetings in order to encourage a communal attitude toward emission reductions.
If a non Annex I country cannot produce these reports, the international
task force will assume responsibility for these reports and the economic
burden will fall onto the protocol budget until that country is able.
Article 7 - Alternative Energy
Long-term
public funding
I. All Parties signatory to this protocol agree to direct long-term
public funding towards:
i. Research and development of alternative energy technologies;
ii. Promoting public education regarding the environmental benefits
of alternative energy technologies.
If funding is not sufficient, and in order to accomplish i. and ii.
parties shall request financial aid/loans through resources such as
the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, non-profit organizations,
subsidies, donations, private investments, and other sources of aid
such as carbon trading and/or technology sharing programs.
II. Ministry
of Alternative Energy
Parties shall strongly recommend the establishment of a ministry of
alternative energy within each Parties' government that is responsible
for overseeing all matters pertaining to a. I.
International Cooperation
All Nations signatory to this Protocol agree to:
a. Establish an International Education Program (IEP) aimed at increasing
global awareness of the importance of renewable and clean energy, available
energy, and cost comparisons. IEP will work closely with governmental
and non-profit organization education programs, in accord with Article5
Part 1.
b. Each five years, the United Nations shall prepare a comprehensive,
official dossier/inventory for each Party - describing current, historic,
and future energy consumption and costs - in hopes of determining the
most feasible method of producing clean energy. This information should
then be conveyed to each respective Party. The alternative energy technologies
may include hydrogen, wind, solar, hydroelectric power as well as biogas,
bio-diesel, and biomass sources of energy;
c. Engage in:
i. Technology sharing between nations pertaining to renewable and clean
energy research shall be carried out in accordance with Article 4 and
8.
ii. Biannual/annual conferences and colloquiums where information on
renewable energy is discussed and debated;
d. Meet a protocol standard requiring that a certain percentage of all
energy consumption must come from a type of renewable energy source.
All nations must maintain current percentage of renewable energy sources.
By 2010, this percentage must increase by 5 percent.
Article
8 - Technology Transfer
In order to accomplish the overall goals of the Summit, and to allow
for the effective participation of ALL nations in the reduction of global
emissions, all signatory nations agree to the following measures:
a. Implement a Clean Development Mechanism system of partnerships based
on adherence to emission reduction mandates established by the carbon
trading plan (described in Article 4).
1. The goal of these cooperative partnerships is for any capable nation
to reduce the GHG emissions of a Non Annex I country by providing technology
or training to the non-Annex I country in return for emission reduction
credits equal to the verified reduction in emissions that the shared
technology or training creates.
b. Create a global committee funded by the carbon trading tax specified
in article 4 to oversee the partnerships and handle the transfer of
credits. The committee must also handle the restriction in trading technologies
that will give information required for the development of weapons of
mass destruction. Nuclear technology is not a viable alternative energy
to be included in the technology transfer.
c. Allow any nation wishing to purchase carbon credits with technology,
rather than money, to avoid the tax outlined in Article 4.
Framework of the Technology Transfer Plan
The protection or creation of carbon sinks, the transfer of alternative
energy (including mobile), and the reduction timber imports (as discussed
in Articles 5, 6, and 7) are all viable ways to earn emission reduction
credits under the Technology Transfer plan, as governed by the Carbon
Trading framework described in Article 4.
Article
9 – Population
All parties to this protocol acknowledging the disproportionate burden
of rapid population growth on non-Annex I countries agree to focus efforts
in these countries.
The parties to this protocol agree to decrease the number of citizens
without elementary education.
Acknowledging the importance of providing women with at least a minimum
of education, the parties agree to focus efforts on targeting school-age
girls and offering incentives to families for educating their female
children.
The parties further acknowledge that any education should include awareness
about global issues, especially environmental and population concerns.
This education should also provide practical knowledge regarding agriculture
and reproductive needs.
1. All nations signatory to this protocol agree ot implement at least
one if not all of the following actions:
a) an International Volunteer Training Network, which will provide education
regarding basic healthcare and sustainable agriculture. This program
wil be funded through NGOs and will not require funds from individual
countries.
c.) Promote teaching of practical knowledge to children in non-Annex
I countries, including:
i. Sustainable agricultural practices: to include information about
farming methods, crop rotation, sustainable yields, etc.
ii. Environmental awareness: the negative effect of pesticides and other
chemical inputs on the environment.
iii. Hygiene (water): cleanliness, pesticide runoff, pollution of drinking
water, animal excrement, etc., and how to purify the water through heat
or simple filtration.
iv. Reproductive issues: education about how to obtain and use contraceptives,
family planning issues, safe abortions, etc.
v. Culturally relevant topics for the country
All Parties agree to establish a broad education system that demonstrates
the direct link between Family Planning and environmental sustainability
d.) Develop a Big Sister/Little Sister program in which Annex I countries
financially adopt Non-Annex I countries;
e.) Promote Family Planning Clinics to teach and administer contraceptives
(and other birth control methods), and to educate about abortion;
f.) Develop a plan for each country to adopt tax incentives for their
citizens and businesses to help reduce population, including
i. tax breaks for families with two or less children;
ii. tax incentives to encourage businesses to hire women.
g.) Promote development of Micro Loans programs within countries to
provide necessary funds for individuals, particularly women, who want
to start their own community-based business.
Article 10
Nations that ratify this protocol shall impart, according to their emissions
levels and economic standing, a fraction of their yearly GDP to establish
and fund the International Community Council (ICC) of the United Nations.
This fraction is not to exceed .001%
The ICC will oversee all auxiliary task forces, boards, committees and
councils formed through the passage of this protocol. These individual
groups, fashioned to enforce compliance, manage taxes, review countries'
progress, and to encourage an international community, are to be governed
by the ICC and will be audited yearly to ensure standardization.
Each represented nation will provide a committee of six delegates; three
reputable scientists with proven climate change experience, and three
diplomats. Nations have four months after signing this protocol to determine
their respective delegates.
The International Community Council and connected parties will convene
once every two years starting two years after signature of protocol.
Each supporting committee will present their budget, objectives of current
actions, and proposals for future programs.
For decisions that do not earn distinct majority of nations, the case
will be taken to the World Court.