But the Protocol will not take effect until it is ratified by 55 percent of the nations emitting at least 55 percent of the six greenhouse gases. So far, about 30 countries have ratified the Kyoto Protocol. These are mostly developing nations that are not being asked to make many sacrifices. Most governments have not ratified the Protocol, preferring instead to await agreement on the operational details of how it will work in practice before making a decision. If the Protocol is to be ratified and implemented by April 2002, the 10 year anniversary of the Rio convention, world leaders must decide these details in the next two weeks.
Some scientists link increasingly extreme weather events with global warming.
The meeting's success will be measured by the early entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol - I hope by 2002. Carbon sequestration - storing CO2 by planting trees to soak it up, or pumping it into underground reservoirs. Compliance with the Protocol - deciding what penalties should be levied on those countries that contravene the Protocol. A framework for transferring technology and finance to developing countries. Possible compensation for fossil fuel exporting countries whose markets could shrink.