Kyoto Protocol

Definition

The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty that commits its parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the premise that global warming exists and human-made CO2 emissions have caused it. Established in 1997 and entered into force in 2005, this protocol set legally binding targets for developed countries to curb their emissions and is a critical part of global efforts to combat climate change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Kyoto Protocol was adopted on December 11, 1997, in Kyoto, Japan, and has been ratified by over 190 countries.
2. The treaty mandates that developed countries must reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels during the first commitment period from 2008 to 2012.
3. Developing countries were not subject to legally binding targets under the original framework of the Kyoto Protocol, reflecting the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities.'
4. The protocol introduced mechanisms like Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI) to promote sustainable development while allowing industrialized nations to meet their targets more flexibly.
5. Despite its goals, the effectiveness of the Kyoto Protocol has been debated, as some major emitters like the United States did not ratify it and others withdrew, leading to challenges in achieving its overall objectives.

Review Questions

• How did the Kyoto Protocol establish a framework for addressing global warming and what are its main commitments?
  • The Kyoto Protocol created a structured approach for tackling global warming by establishing legally binding commitments for developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Its main commitment was for these countries to collectively decrease emissions by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels during the first commitment period from 2008 to 2012. This framework aimed to acknowledge the significant role that industrialized nations play in contributing to climate change and encourage them to take responsibility.
• Evaluate the impact of the Kyoto Protocol's emission trading mechanisms on participating countries' ability to meet their environmental goals.
  • The emission trading mechanisms established by the Kyoto Protocol, such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI), provided flexibility for participating countries in meeting their environmental targets. These mechanisms allowed countries to invest in emission reduction projects in developing nations or trade emission credits among themselves. This flexibility aimed to reduce costs while promoting sustainable development; however, it also raised concerns about the effectiveness and integrity of projects funded through these mechanisms, leading to ongoing discussions about their long-term viability.
• Analyze the reasons behind the varying levels of commitment from different countries regarding the Kyoto Protocol and how this affected its overall success.
  • The differing levels of commitment towards the Kyoto Protocol can be attributed to several factors, including economic considerations, national priorities, and political will. Developed nations generally faced more pressure due to their historical contributions to greenhouse gas emissions; however, some opted out or delayed ratification, citing concerns over potential negative impacts on their economies. Meanwhile, many developing countries were not bound by legally enforceable targets, reflecting a divide in responsibilities. This lack of unified commitment hampered the protocol's overall success and led to criticisms regarding its effectiveness in truly mitigating climate change impacts.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Emission Trading: A market-based approach to controlling pollution by providing economic incentives for reducing emissions, allowing countries to buy and sell emission allowances.

Paris Agreement: An international agreement adopted in 2015 that aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, building upon the framework established by the Kyoto Protocol.