China & USA should agree for binding commitments

China emits 24 per cent of total emissions and is the largest emitter of CO2 and other green house gases. USA emits 18 per cent making it the second largest per capita emitter.

The 1997 Kyoto Protocol places 37 developed countries under international legal obligations to reduce carbon emissions during a first commitment period which ends in 2012.

If one takes into account the share of China and USA in the global trade and their emissions, it is reasonable to expect that these countries will agree to binding commitments if they are sensitive to their global responsibility and have a global vision. They should agree to emissions reductions in the second commitment period that commences from 2012.

While countries like India that contribute 5 per cent of global carbon emissions must take legally binding and visible domestic action for emissions reductions for the sake of their own well being at least till 2020.