GLOBAL WARMING

WHEREAS, meaningful reduction of carbon emissions is an important step in the fight against global warming; and

WHEREAS, the current Kyoto Protocol imposes no requirements for developing nations to limit, reduce or make any commitments regarding greenhouse gas emissions; and

WHEREAS, many of the world’s largest polluters, such as China, South Korea, Mexico and Brazil, are designated as underdeveloped nations and subject to no restrictions; and

WHEREAS, the Kyoto Protocol has no enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance; and

WHEREAS, the United States Senate, by a vote of 95 to 0, supported the Byrd-Hagel resolution rejecting the Kyoto Protocol as presently written because it puts restrictions on certain countries and omits many heavy polluters; and

WHEREAS, the AFL-CIO position on the Kyoto Protocol states that, as currently written, Kyoto would result in serious harm to the economy of the United States; and

WHEREAS, in 1997, President Clinton stated the importance of developing countries to meaningfully participate in the effort; and

WHEREAS, peak oil production is expected to occur in 2008, but worldwide consumption will continue to increase; and

WHEREAS, the AFT believes it is important for the United States to participate fully in worldwide negotiations on global warming and ensure the future economic and social well-being of the American people:

RESOLVED, that the AFT call on the United States to return to the negotiating table in order to provide leadership on meaningful reduction of greenhouse emissions for all developed and developing countries; and

RESOLVED, that the U.S. administration include the AFL-CIO as a partner in deliberations to limit greenhouse emissions and the global warming that results; and

RESOLVED, that enforcement mechanisms be part of the deliberations; and

RESOLVED, that AFT support an energy policy that maximizes renewable sources and conservation.  [Executive Council, February 2005]