The first set of targets for greenhouse gas reductions under the Kyoto Protocol are for the years 2008 – 2012 (the first commitment period).

After 2012 comes the “second commitment period”, covering the years 2013 – 2017. At the next international climate negotiations Conference of Parties / Meeting of Parties in Nairobi 6-17 November 2006 (http://unfccc.int/meetings/cop_12/items/3754.php) negotiations will continue on the next commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol. Australia and the US are locked out of the negotiation for the Kyoto Protocol second commitment period, as they haven't ratified.

Important decisions include the length of time that the second commitment period will cover, and the greenhouse gas emission reductions that need to be delivered during this period. More information can be found at http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2006/awg2/eng/misc02.pdf.

Under the UNFCCC a “dialogue” (link to http://unfccc.int/meetings/dialogue/items/3668.php) was begun at the last international meeting (Montreal Nov/Dec 2005). The US sought, and gained, agreement that this dialogue “will not open any negotiations leading to new commitments.” The Dialogue aims to “exchange experiences and analyse strategic approaches for long-term cooperative action to address climate change”. Hands up anyone who thinks that sounds like a process that will have us taking action to avoid dangerous climate change in the next 10 years! The real negotiations are happening within the Kyoto Protocol.