Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. It sets binding targets for developed countries to reduce their emissions below the levels of a specific base year.
Related terms
Greenhouse gases: Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
Carbon offset: A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions made in one place to compensate for emissions produced elsewhere.
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): A flexible mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol that allows developed countries to invest in emission-reducing projects in developing countries.