ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the structure, status and limitations of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It reviews the policy responses in the region, concentrating on Pacific Forum states of the South Pacific and in particular Australia and New Zealand. Climate change issues are of great importance in the Pacific region given the particular vulnerability of its small island developing states. In any event it is likely that the impacts of climate change will fall disproportionately on developing states with marginal agricultural sectors reflecting small scale and low technology. Generally with respect to climate change negotiations Australia has been characterized as being 'at best, a reluctant partner and, at worst, a country whose engagement is little more than a naked defence of its coal and aluminium industries'. The New Zealand Climate Change Program was initiated in 1988 by a Labour government to consider what national response might be required of New Zealand.
