The Kyoto Protocol: CO2 CH4 and climate implications

Kyoto Protocol implications for CO 2 , temperature and sea level are examined. Three scenarios for post‐Kyoto emissions reductions are considered. In all cases, the long‐term consequences are small. The limitations specified under the Protocol are interpreted in terms of both CO 2 and CH 4 emissions reductions and a new emissions comparison index, the Forcing Equivalence Index (FEI), is introduced. The use of GWPs to assess CO 2 ‐equivalence is assessed.