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Over a decade ago most countries in the world, including Swaziland, joined an international treaty known as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).  The UNFCCC was set up to consider options for reducing the pollution and gases that contribute to global warming and also options for coping with increases in temperatures and the other impacts of climate change itself.

Swaziland and Kyoto
In 1997 many governments across the world also agreed to an addition to the UNFCCC called the Kyoto Protocol (previously discussed in this column).  This protocol has the potential to implement more powerful and legally binding measures to fight climate change.  In particular it commits developed countries (known as ‘Annex 1 countries’) that have ratified the protocol to specific targets to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

As the largest share of historical and current emissions originate in developed countries, the UNFCCC puts the lion’s share of responsibility (and the bills) for battling climate change on rich countries.  Specific commitments in treaty relating to financing and technology transfers (i.e. sharing expertise, resources and equipment) also apply only to developed countries.

As a developing country (i.e. non annex 1), Swaziland would not be required as part of the Kyoto Protocol to set limits to its greenhouse gas emissions, although as part of the UNFCCC, Swaziland is demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development.  As such, Swaziland is encouraged to follow a low emissions path to economic development that does not rely exclusively on burning of fossil fuels.

The convention recognizes that poorer nations have a right to economic development.  It notes that the share of global emissions of greenhouse gases originating in developing countries will grow as these counties expand their industries to improve social and economic conditions for their citizens.  At the same time, the UNFCCC acknowledges the acute vulnerability of poorer countries to the effects of climate change. 

The Clean Development Mechanism
A mechanism has been set up through the Kyoto Protocol which assists the industrialized nations to meet their greenhouse gas emissions targets as well as helping developing countries to focus on sustainable development; this is known as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). 

This CDM allows industrialized nations to invest in measures that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in countries like Swaziland.  For example through investing in solar power projects, hydropower projects and energy efficient technologies (such as new efficient boilers and stoves).  In return, the emissions and pollution saved in Swaziland would be credited towards the industrialized country’s emissions targets. 

Such projects are already being set up around the world, and there are plenty of opportunities in Swaziland itself.  However, the final step in registering such a project with the UNFCCC officials would require that all countries involved with a CDM project should have ratified the Kyoto Protocol and should have designated a National Authority to help administer the project.  Many southern African countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Malawi ratified the Kyoto Protocol several years ago; however Swaziland has yet to ratify the protocol and therefore could be excluded from these benefits.