U.S. negotiator calls Kyoto Treaty "not based on science"
Wednesday, December 8, 2004
Buenos Aires — The 10th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 10) is being held in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires; signatories of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change have gathered to discuss issues involving global warming. Senior U.S. negotiator Dr. Harlan Watson came under fire for the United States' refusal to ratify the almost 10 year old Kyoto Treaty (AKA: Kyoto Protocol) which aims to reduce the emission of 6 greenhouse gases in the 55+ signatory nations and requires participating industrialized countries to give money and technology to developing countries.
Watson countered these complaints by arguing that, "Kyoto is a political agreement, it's not based on science." He also stated that the United States remains steadfast to its current position on global climate change. Supporters of the Kyoto Treaty state the protocol's required actions are not sufficient to effect their claimed warming effects.
See also
- Kyoto Treaty: Position of the United States - Political Background Information
- State Department Page on Harlan Watson
References
- "Headlines for December 8, 2004" — Democracy Now!, December 8, 2004
- "U.S. says it won't budge on approach to climate change" — AFP, December 7, 2004