Special for Tokyo Global Warming Summit Editor's Note: For additional experts and tips on this topic, check out the Dec. 4 News & Photo Tip: Global Warming Gas Won't Go Away Soon at <http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/ ~uocomm/newsreleases/latest/dec97/0120297.html> or call (541) 346-3134 to ask for a fax copy or assistance in arranging interviews with experts. Getting 160 nations to agree on new standards to reduce global warming will be tough. Getting them to agree on strict standards may even be impossible, says University of Oregon law professor John Bonine. More than 160 nations are meeting in Kyoto, Japan, at an international conference to work on a treaty that would set limits on man-made carbon dioxide emissions to slow global warming. "Money and power don't usually restrain themselves voluntarily on these types of global issues," says Bonine. "I suspect that the United States and other world powers will resist taking the measures that appear to be necessary." An expert in environmental law and the co-director of the UO Environmental Law Clinic, Bonine says those nations that want the least change are often successful in watering down treaties. "It's the lower common denominator effect, and in the face of uncertainties, governments often find an excuse for not acting," says Bonine. "There is considerable consensus among scientists about the relationship between an increase in man-made carbon dioxide emissions and global warming," he explains, "but those who don't want to make changes are willing to rely on the uncertainties that still exist as an excuse to delay reform efforts." Bonine is no stranger to international treaty negotiations. He participated last summer in United Nations negotiations on public participation in environmental decision making, and in the late 1980s he took part in U.N. negotiations on environmental impact assessment. SOURCE: John Bonine, professor, UO School of Law and co-director of the Western Environmental Law Center, (541) 346-3827; e-mail, <ejohn@igc.org> -30- #T-1081/Daybook,OrSCI