Technological possibilities for fulfilling the targets of the Kyoto Protocol (to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)
- Author(s):
- Parliamentary Assembly
- Origin
- (see Doc. 8810, report of the Committee on Science and Technology, rapporteur: Mr Tiuri; and Doc. 9040, opinion of the Committee on the Environment and Agriculture, rapporteur: Mr Martínez Casañ). Text adopted by the Standing Committee, acting on behalf of the Assembly, on 23 May 2001
- Thesaurus
1. The Assembly, referring to its
Recommendation 1520 (2001) on the technological possibilities for fulfilling the targets of the Kyoto Protocol (to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), with a view to implementing its objectives and reducing fine-particle emissions, asks that the signatory states of the Kyoto Protocol increase their use of renewable energy by:
1.1 constructing hydropower plants, including small-scale ones where possible, taking into account environmental and other aspects;
1.2 making use of geothermal energy where possible, and enhancing the use of ground heat in domestic heating. This would allow two-thirds of heating energy to be taken from the ground and only one-third from electricity;
1.3 constructing windmill plants in suitable locations like low seacoasts, where average power can reach one-third of the peak power;
1.4 using solar collectors for domestic hot water production and for space heating, district heating (Northern Europe) and air conditioning (Southern Europe);
1.5 enhancing the development and use of solar photovoltaic panels and their applications wherever useful and possible;
1.6 constructing pilot solar power plants in places where solar radiation is favourable.
2. The Assembly further asks that the use of renewable bioenergy be developed and researched, for example by:
2.1 using the methane escaping from landfill sites for energy production;
2.2 increasing the share of bioenergy in heat and electricity co-generation, paying special attention to decreasing the fine-particle emissions by developing biomass gasification for example;
2.3 promoting research into bioenergy cultivation possibilities in low-productive agricultural lands, developing biomass harvesting techniques and studying applications of gene technology to improve the photosynthesis efficiency.
3. The Assembly stresses that it is essential to curb and reduce carbon dioxide and fine-particle emissions and that, to this end, it is also important to give a high priority to reducing energy demand through energy conservation and improved energy efficiency.
4. Moreover, in view of the fact that some countries have chosen, or might choose, the nuclear energy option, the Assembly considers it important that:
4.1 steps be taken to ensure that existing nuclear plants comply with the highest safety standards;
4.2 investments be made in order to ensure safe nuclear waste disposal.
5. Aware that the technical solutions recommended above will not be sufficient to entirely fulfil the targets of the Kyoto Protocol, the Assembly asks for the effective application of the Kyoto mechanisms (International Emission Trading, Joint Implementation and Clean Development Mechanism) as soon as the application rules are defined by the Seventh Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP7) in The Hague in 2001.
6. It also emphasises the importance that should be attached to informing the public about the consequences of the use of different energy sources, the risks associated with climate change and the need for changes in energy consumption.
