Aside from the economic concerns, some scientists argue that the earth's climate fluctuates between cold periods lasting for about 100,000 years before they are interrupted by warmer periods lasting for about 10,000 years due to the sun's activity and the earth's position in space. Thus they believe that the recent temperature rises are not related to the greenhouse gases released by humans, but are a part of a natural climatic cycle. And regardless of the Protocol, earth's climate will continue fluctuate independent of any human intervention.
Another negative impact of adopting the Protocol is increased expenditures in the agricultural industry through the necessary improvements of animal feed and frequent maintenance of machinery. Gases contained in the exhaust fumes of agricultural machinery, as well as those produced by bovine and ovine digestive processes, contribute to about 20% of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions. (The National Greenhouse Strategy 1998:97-99)
In conclusion, most of the evidence suggests that Australia should adopt the Protocol's recommendations as by doing so, Australia will not only protect itself from the devastating effects of climatic change but may also open up new export markets for renewable energy technology. …
