"The Kyoto Protocol is not where the solution lies," says Canada's Environment Minister Peter Kent.
According to him, the Kyoto Protocol doesn't apply to a substantial part of greenhouse emissions. Whether this is true or not is yet to be determined.
Why did Canada not renew their vow? Canada's greenhouse emissions, instead of dropping the 6% or more required by the Kyoto Protocol, actually increased. Canada dropped out of the protocol in order to avoid the costs associated with not meeting the requirements.
Canada's not the only country that didn't renew their vows though. US, Japan, Russia, and a few others have joined Canada in not renewing their vows. These countries say they will do other initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, but they will not be joining because it's too costly, among other reasons.
China and India are still on board though. This is good because China and India are high emission producers and a reduction in their emissions will set an example for all other nations.
Hopefully in the future other countries will join in the cause. If not with the Kyoto Protocol, maybe in their own way. Perhaps we may see a greener future after all. All we can do is hope Canada and the other countries actually do try to reduce emissions instead of just saying they will.
News article: http://www.news24.com/SciTech/News/Canada-Kyoto-Protocol-is-history-20111207
Update: Canada has officially dropped out of the Kyoto Protocol.
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