Kyoto Protocol
Kyoto protocol is an agreement that was signed under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1997 that committed developed countries to reduce emission of gases that cause greenhouse effect. It was a significant and the first Intergovernmental treaty which aimed to fight climate change by assigning measurable quantifiable targets to industrialized nations using the criterion of “common but differentiated responsibilities”.
Understanding the Kyoto Protocol
Kyoto Protocol was agreed in Kyoto, Japan, and it was entered into force on February 16, 2005, after ratification by 55 nations which represent countries that emit fifty-five percent of greenhouse gases in the world. It was noted in the protocol that developed countries were the major emitters of GHG, since they were the ones who started industrialization over 150 years ago. Therefore, it placed more demanding requirements on these countries with their emissions cuts.
Key Features of the Kyoto Protocol
- Binding Targets: The Kyoto Protocol set legally binding emission reduction targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European Union. These targets aimed to reduce GHG emissions by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels during the first commitment period (2008-2012).
- Flexible Mechanisms: The protocol introduced three market-based mechanisms to help countries meet their targets cost-effectively:
- Emissions Trading (Cap-and-Trade): Countries could trade emission allowances, allowing those who exceeded their targets to sell surplus allowances to those who needed more.
- Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): Developed countries could invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries and earn certified emission reduction (CER) credits.
- Joint Implementation (JI): Developed countries could invest in emission reduction projects in other developed countries and earn emission reduction units (ERUs).
- Compliance and Reporting: The protocol established a compliance system to monitor and ensure that countries met their targets. Countries were required to submit regular reports on their GHG emissions and the measures they were taking to reduce them.
Impact and Legacy of the Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol marked a significant step in the global effort to combat climate change by creating a framework for international cooperation on emission reductions. However, its effectiveness was limited by several factors:
- Lack of Participation: The United States, one of the largest emitters of GHGs, did not ratify the protocol. Additionally, developing countries, including major emitters like China and India, were not required to reduce their emissions under the protocol.
- Shortcomings in Targets: The emission reduction targets set by the protocol were not sufficient to prevent dangerous levels of global warming, and some countries struggled to meet their obligations.
Despite these challenges, the Kyoto Protocol laid the groundwork for subsequent international climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement, which builds on the principles established by the protocol.
FAQs about Kyoto Protocol
1. What was the main goal of the Kyoto Protocol?
The primary objective of the Kyoto Protocol was to limit the emission of greenhouse gases from developed countries by providing legal binding targets for their emission reduction in order to address the impacts of global warming.
2. How did the Kyoto Protocol influence later climate agreements?
The Kyoto Protocol was the first attempt that paved the way for international climate policy by requiring countries to commit to certain levels of emissions and also using market instruments. This paved way for other agreements such as the Paris Agreement which went further to require commitment from both the developed and the developing countries.
