New Holland, the publishers of Saving Kyoto - an insider's guide to the Kyoto Protocol: how it works, why it matters and what it means for the future, state that for the first time in recorded history, humans are altering the planet in ways that are endangering its basic life-support systems. Human emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases have changed the Earth’s atmosphere, unleashing potentially catastrophic climate changes that threaten the survival of human civilisation. It is happening now. In as little as 20 or 30 years’ time, we could be past the point of no return.
The publisher's carry on to state that while the rest of the world remains in denial, representatives from all over the world have been trying to hammer out a solution. The Kyoto Protocol, signed by 160 nations in 1997 was an historic agreement, based on the creation of a new market, trading in user rights to the global atmospheric commons.
In Saving Kyoto, the main architect of this ‘carbon market’ Graciela Chichilnisky, and co-author Kristen Sheeran offer a useful overview of the Kyoto Protocol; how it originated, the main protagonists behind its creation and the current issues that threaten to undermine it when it expires in 2012.
They explain that the key to the survival of the agreement, and that of the Earth as we know it, depends on greater co-operation between developing countries and the West, closing the global income divide whilst simultaneously resolving the climate crisis.
Saving Kyoto explains in intelligent and accessible language, how we have come to a critical turning point in the history of humankind, and what we must now do to prevent significant and irreparable damage to our planet. Publishers New Holland claim this may just be the most important book you read all year.
REFERENCES
"Graciela Chichilnisky is one of the most incisive minds working on the subject of justice among the generations. In this book she and Kristen A. Sheeran bring their remarkable analytical powers to the practical problems that beset ongoing negotiations over climate change.... a wonderful piece of work."
Sir Partha Dasgupta, Frank Ramsey Professor of Economics at Cambridge University.
"In the world of economic theory, Graciela Chichilnisky is an A-list star."
Washington Post
"Graciela Chichilnisky's leadership in the global community, in producing policies to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global climate change, has been revolutionary."
Jay Inslee, Member of the United States House of Representatives
"Graciela Chichilnisky has made important contributions to the economic aspects of climate change, both in analysis and in the formulation of appropriate policies. In particular, she has emphasized the consideration of justice in a manner capable of reasoned analysis. This book presents a lively account of the problem and the perspectives of one who has played a significant and varied role."
Kenneth Arrow, winner of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences
THE AUTHORS
Graciela Chichilnisky has worked extensively in the Kyoto Protocol process, creating and designing the carbon market that became international law in 2005. Professor Chichilnisky acted as a lead author on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which received the 2007 Novel Prize for its work in deciding world policy with respect to climate change. UNESCO Professor of Mathematics and Economics and Director of the Consortium for Risk Management at Columbia University (NY, USA), she is the author of some 200 scientific articles and 13 books, including Environmental Markets: Equity and Efficiency (Colombia University Press, 2000).
Kristen A Sheeran is Associate Professor of Economics at St Mary’s College of Maryland and Interim Executive Director of Economics for Equity and the Environment. She has written many articles on environmental issues and has lectured on climate change.
DETAILS
Published by New Holland
Paperback with flaps
Graphs and tables
208 pages
ISBN: 9781847734310
Priced £8.99
