Proposed International Initiatives
The Kyoto Protocol's first commitment period ends in 2012, and negotiations on its possible extension must address a range of criticisms regarding its structure. In 2007, the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, Brazil, China, India, Mexico, and South Africa agreed to the non-binding Washington Declaration, which is envisioned as a successor to Kyoto.
In addition, the Bush Administration has proposed the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, which includes the United States, South Korea, India, China, Australia, and New Zealand, countries that collectively are responsible for more than half of global greenhouse gas emissions. The Partnership was launched in 2006 and is viewed as a possible alternative or parallel path to Kyoto.
