Differentiation is the norm, not the exception. None of this discussion is to suggest that the Kyoto Protocol is a perfect agreement. International agreements seldom are. Historically, it is the industrialized countries that have worked hard to bring developing countries to the negotiating table to agree to a series of measures on global environmental issues. The reason behind is that, industrialized countries could not deal with it without the help of the developing countries, which have the potential for undoing what-ever good is done by the industrialized countries.
Similar logic applies with global warming.
The Protocol provided in the first instance a method for the industrialized countries to meet their targets and provided for periodic review to take stock of progress and to address whatever further actions might be needed by the global community. If the objective is to initiate positive action by the developing countries, the necessary steps are not to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol but to be an integral part of its implementation and further the actions that are already underway in developing countries to reduce the growth of their greenhouse gas emissions. Drs Ramakrishna and Woodwell respectively are Deputy Director and Director of the Woods Hole Research Center in Massachusetts. Dr. Ramakrishna, an international lawyer, was Special Advisor to the United Nations in drafting the Framework Convention on Climate Change. Dr. Woodwell is an ecologist and member of the US National Academy of Sciences.