Permit Trading Under the Kyoto Protocol and Beyond

Abstract

The Kyoto Protocol is seen by many as a step forward in reaching the UNFCCC goals of slowing emissions of greenhouse gases. In this paper we argue that the issue of regime sustainability in developing the Kyoto approach to climate change has received too little attention. We question the sustainability of the Kyoto Protocol and suggest an alternative approach that is more politically and economically sustainable. We also present results from the G-Cubed multi-country model that demonstrate a permit trading system within the Kyoto Protocol offers large gains and improves the sustainability of the regime. We also propose a permit trading system as part of the solution to climate change policy however in a very different form to those currently being discussed.