The Kyoto Protocol: CO₂ CH₄ and climate implications

Abstract

Kyoto Protocol implications for CO₂, temperature and sea level are examined. Three scenarios for post-Kyoto emissions reductions are considered. In all cases, the long-term consequences are small. The limitations specified under the Protocol are interpreted in terms of both CO₂ and CH₄ emissions reductions and a new emissions comparison index, the Forcing Equivalence Index (FEI), is introduced. The use of GWPs to assess CO₂-equivalence is assessed.