Kyoto Protocol Second Commitment

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A decision made on 3 August 2012:

Decision Reference: MD-C-2012-0079
Decision Summary Title :	Kyoto Protocol Second Commitment Period		Date of Decision Summary:	25th July 2012
Decision Summary Author:	International Relations		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Oral		Person Giving Oral Report:	International Treaties and Conventions Manager
Written Report Title :	N/A		Date of Written Report:	N/A
Written Report Author:	N/A		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	N/A
Subject: Kyoto Protocol Second Commitment Period.
Decision(s): The Chief Minister agreed to indicate to the UK Government that Jersey wishes, in principle, to be part of the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. The UK Government has asked for an initial expression of commitment from each Crown Dependency by Thursday 9th August 2012.
Reason(s) for Decision: On 4th December 2006 (MD-C-2006-0054) the Chief Minister requested that the UK Government should extend to Jersey the United Kingdom’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, which is the international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Island’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol was confirmed on 7th March 2007. Views are now being sought by the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) as to whether the Crown Dependencies are content to be part of the second commitment period (expected to be from 1st January 2013). The conditions for extending the Island’s commitment are the same as the existing period, namely:- continue to provide information on greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with relevant international guidelines; and continue to provide information on the development and implementation of measures to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. The Crown Dependencies have been advised that the UK Government is not able to set out a clear timetable for ratification of this Treaty extension. However, it is clear to DECC that the second commitment period will not be formally ratified before the end of the first commitment period ends in December 2012. Accordingly, the formal extension of the Treaty to each of the Crown Dependencies may be done at the time of the eventual UK ratification or subsequent to that, when the Islands will be consulted again once the ratification process becomes clearer. Consequently the current request from DECC only seeks an initial expression of interest which is non-binding. The Minister for Planning & Environment, in a letter dated 24th July 2012, recommends to the Chief Minister that the Island should, in principle, confirm its intention to be included in the second commitment period. Guernsey and the Isle of Man have both indicated that they will be following the same course of action as Jersey with regard to the second commitment period. The Island by supporting, in principle, the ratification of the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol demonstrates its continued commitment to tackling issues such as climate change, energy and resource use, and making important progress towards achieving the States strategic objectives of improving the natural environment.
Resource Implications: There are no additional financial or manpower implications arising from this decision.
Action required: The International Relations Department to prepare an Official letter to be sent through official channels informing the UK Government that Jersey, in principle, wishes to be part of the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. To inform the Minister for Planning & Environment and his department accordingly.
Signature:		Position: Senator I. J. Gorst Chief Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):