The Failure of International Global Warming Regulation to Promote Needed Renewable Energy

Abstract

Renewable power generation technologies exist today and comprise the foundation for the bridge to a sustainable international power generation infrastructure. However, the Kyoto Protocol (Kyoto) has failed to utilize these technologies. Kyoto also missed the forest for the trees: it disallowed forest preservation to count in its carbon currency. It also missed including the correct chemical base in developing countries. This Article examines what led international law not to focus on development in renewable power alternatives where they are most required in the international order: developing nations. It analyzes the critical role of international multilateral organizations to create the new architecture of carbon control before it is too late. This Article concludes by highlighting a little-noticed template for renewable power and carbon mitigation success that has been demonstrated in several developing countries. It highlights the changes to Kyoto and international law that are necessary to construct a bridge to the development of sustainable power generation infrastructure.