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. This agreement emerged as a response to the growing concern about climate change and aimed to establish legally binding obligations for developed countries to cut their emissions, fostering collaboration to combat environmental degradation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Kyoto Protocol was adopted on December 11, 1997, and entered into force on February 16, 2005, after being ratified by enough countries.
2. The treaty set specific targets for developed nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels during the commitment period from 2008 to 2012.
3. Developing countries were not required to reduce emissions under the protocol, reflecting the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities' based on their historical contributions to climate change.
4. The protocol included mechanisms like Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI) that allowed for flexibility in how countries could meet their targets.
5. While the Kyoto Protocol marked a significant step in international climate policy, many critics argue it failed to enforce compliance effectively and did not include major emitters like the United States after its withdrawal.

Review Questions

• How did the Kyoto Protocol establish frameworks for greenhouse gas emission reductions among developed countries?
  • The Kyoto Protocol set legally binding targets for developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing that they should take the lead in combating climate change due to their higher historical emissions. The agreement established specific reduction percentages based on each country's 1990 emission levels and introduced market mechanisms like emission trading, allowing flexibility in achieving these targets. This structured approach was vital in promoting collective action against climate change while recognizing the differing capabilities of nations.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Kyoto Protocol in achieving its objectives related to global warming and climate change.
  • The effectiveness of the Kyoto Protocol is often debated. While it was the first international agreement to set legally binding emission targets, many critics point out that it did not succeed in significantly reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. Some countries met their targets, but overall emissions continued to rise, especially in developing nations not bound by the treaty. The lack of participation from major emitters like the United States after their withdrawal further undermined its potential impact.
• Synthesize how the principles established by the Kyoto Protocol influenced later agreements like the Paris Agreement in tackling climate change.
  • The principles established by the Kyoto Protocol laid essential groundwork for subsequent agreements, including the Paris Agreement. The focus on differentiation between developed and developing nations' responsibilities influenced how climate negotiations evolved, with the Paris Agreement adopting a more inclusive approach that encourages voluntary commitments from all countries regardless of development status. Additionally, lessons learned from Kyoto's rigid structure led to a more flexible framework in Paris, allowing nations to set their own emission reduction goals while still working towards a common aim of limiting global temperature rise.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

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

Paris Agreement:

An international treaty that builds upon the Kyoto Protocol by setting more flexible targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions, aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.