The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, adopted in December 1997, aims to limit the emissions from greenhouse gases from developed countries. During the negotiations on its implementation, the Kyoto Protocol’s targets were severely watered down and the Protocol itself was rejected by the United States in March 2001. Many of the objections to the Kyoto Protocol are based on the assumption that limitations on the emissions of greenhouse gases will have a negative impact on economic growth. This is in turn based on the assumption that there is no need reduce energy consumption or to force the development of alternative energy sources since the supply of fossil fuels is unlimited.

Climate Change and Oil Depletion are two symptoms of the same disease: the global addiction to fossil fuel. Until now, the international community has dealt with both symptoms in an isolated manner. Jürgen Lefevere’s presentation will draw links between the issues of climate change and oil depletion and identify their common objectives. Most importantly, it will attempt to identify the opportunities (and threats) that may be created by tackling both issues in a combined manner.