The measure that matters

Why? Because governments refuse to adopt and adhere to one single transparent measure applicable to all countries. That failure cannot be excused by the weasel words used by some to justify the inefficiency of their policies and practices or cover-up failure to take effective and adequate action.

Internationally agreed standards of measurement, independently monitored and verified by a United Nations organisation established for these purposes is required. It should be instituted urgently and given the additional responsibility of disseminating and reporting on use of the best technology able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The only measure that counts is the gross level of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere caused by human activity in each country. Once this has been established, the efficacy and effects of mitigating activities, such as those mentioned above, can be determined, producing the net level of emissions by each country.

Only with this information can the international community effectively target the major causes of emission and assist countries responsible for them bring about their reduction.  If you don't measure it, you can't manage it.