In the Public Interest

The goal of the Kyoto Protocol is to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere in order to reduce global warming. Now that Russia has joined, European forces are hoping to pressure the U.S. to join as well.

At stake is national liberty and sovereignty. In joining the Kyoto group, the U.S. stands to become subject to an international system in regards to a very important strategic function: energy. Especially in the post-9/11 world, control of our energy policy is important both for current battles and the ones to come.

At its core, the science that the Protocol is based on is controversial, and the brightest forecast for changing dismal effects by its policies very miniscule in the next century. The policy itself will be ineffective for its purpose because it is set up with little restraint on developing nations, who are the worst polluters per capita, which promises nothing for future reduction of greenhouse gas emission.

Restraining current economic powerhouses such as the United States with more environmental regulation will slow their economies, costing growth and improvements world wide. Furthermore, all this ensues without the environmental benefit that the Kyoto Protocol suggests, a benefit that in reality is so small it makes one wonder whether it is worth the cost. It is not.

Promoting good environmental policy is often viewed as something only fringe groups pursue. Focus on the environment is overshadowed by political battles, humanitarian issues, or economic concerns.

However, environmental policy is a significant factor in many other policy decisions that affect everyday life. From direct energy regulation to regulation on how products are manufactured, the effects of environmental policy surround us. The state of the environment is one factor at the heart of many political, humanitarian, and economic concerns worldwide. The major issues facing humanity today are not just regulated away – the battle is to root out the problem.

The same concept applies to environmental concerns: negative effects on the environment from global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions cannot just be regulated out of existence. Digging in and finding ways to root out the problem is what creates true change.

The Kyoto Protocol started with ideas that were distorted or went out of the reach of their proper roles. However, creating and regulating markets that are based on abstract concepts and that will favor the main perpetrators of emissions will be ineffective. The best way to improve the outlook is not to create a new market, but improve and invest in the market that is already a reality.

Investing in new “clean” technology, transferring that technology to developing countries, and promoting transparent democracy and free trade are possible major steps. All these steps towards the path of better stewardship of the earth start, develop, and are best left to the private sector. Creativity, incentive, and the forces of the true market will prove to be the key factors in true environmental progress.

With local initiative liberty, security, and economic prosperity can be preserved and pursued – even through environmental policy.

Laura P. Keith

Research Analyst

Public Interest Institute, Mt. Pleasant