Indeed, there is concern throughout the world about the decision of the new Administration to oppose the Kyoto Protocol. The legally binding Convention was adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, and aims to stabilize atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases at safe levels. The U.S. was the first developed country to sign the Framework Convention on Climate Change, but the Kyoto Protocol has never been sent to the U.S. Senate for ratification. President Bush and his cabinet members have condemned the Protocol as endangering U.S. energy supplies and economic growth. Bush said he would continue to work with American allies to reduce greenhouse gases, but would not support the Kyoto Protocol.
Climate change cares little for the borders drawn by men.
While mostly avoiding direct mention of the United States, Secretary-General Annan countered many of the arguments used by the Bush administration to reject the treaty. For example, he strongly denied that environmental safeguards would undermine the economy. It is often said that protecting the environment would constrain or even undermine economic growth. And, he warned of the high costs of inaction. But economists now broadly agree that improved energy efficiency and other 'no regrets' strategies could bring great benefits at little or no cost.