Is Australia Faking It? The Kyoto Protocol & The Greenhouse Policy Challenge (original) (raw)

This article scrutinizes Australia's non-ratification of the Kyoto Protocol while asserting a commitment to its emissions target, suggesting that the country's reliance on land use changes and ineffective policies masks its lack of genuine efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. By employing a theoretical framework that integrates international relations and comparative politics, it explores the interplay between domestic climate policies and international obligations, particularly examining the factors shaping Australia's position over a decade marked by its initial commitment to Kyoto in 1997 and subsequent policies under the Howard government. The findings reveal a significant influence of domestic politics, specifically fossil fuel industry interests and minor legislative modifications, highlighting a critical juncture for Australia's climate response amidst growing global and domestic pressures.