Kyoto Protocol into effect

At the time of writing this, the poll on CNN.com reads: "Who do you think is the bigger threat to the United States?" with the following options: (a) Al Qaeda, (b) Syria, (c) Iran.

As the biggest single source of greenhouse gas and accounting for more than a fifth of world pollution, shouldn't they include themselves in that list?

The 141-nation Kyoto Protocol took effect yesterday - a legally binding international agreement to reduce emissions of gases such as carbon dioxide to pre-1990 levels.

"The protocol's aim is to slow down global warming through a reduction of carbon emissions from burning oil, gas and coal that are trapping the sun's heat rather than let it radiate out to space. The resultant "greenhouse" effect has potentially far-reaching consequences for the planet's climate system.

The Kyoto Protocol not only strives to stop global warming it also aims to curb global pollution.

The protocol has the backing of most of the industrialised world except the United States and Australia, who say that its burden to their economies would be too great."

That's.. umm, rich, considering the US and Australia are the 2nd and 19th richest countries respectively.

"Scientists say that reductions of around 60% are urgently needed to avoid wreaking potentially catastrophic damage to the world's climate system."

Continued reading: 'The signature that could save SA' via IOL, 'Kyoto Protocol comes of age' via M&G, and 'Kyoto Protocol may benefit SA' via iafrica.com.