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 enforced in 2005, the protocol marked a significant step in global efforts to address climate change by setting legally binding targets for developed countries to lower their emissions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, on December 11, 1997, and came into force on February 16, 2005.
2. It established binding commitments for developed countries to 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 binding emission reduction targets under the protocol, reflecting the idea that they have contributed less to historical emissions.
4. The protocol introduced mechanisms such as Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI) to help countries meet their targets through international cooperation.
5. While the Kyoto Protocol was a groundbreaking agreement, its effectiveness was limited as major emitters like the United States did not ratify it, and some countries failed to meet their targets.

Review Questions

• How did the Kyoto Protocol change the landscape of international environmental policy?
  • The Kyoto Protocol fundamentally changed international environmental policy by establishing legally binding targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions among developed nations. This marked a shift from voluntary agreements to enforceable commitments, setting a precedent for future treaties. The protocol also highlighted the need for collaboration among nations, introducing mechanisms that allowed for cost-effective compliance and fostering discussions on environmental responsibility.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the Kyoto Protocol in achieving its climate goals.
  • The strengths of the Kyoto Protocol include its establishment of a framework for international cooperation on climate change and legally binding commitments for developed countries. However, its weaknesses lie in the lack of participation from major emitters like the United States and the absence of binding targets for developing nations. This created disparities in efforts and undermined the protocol's overall effectiveness in significantly reducing global emissions.
• Critically assess the long-term impact of the Kyoto Protocol on subsequent climate agreements like the Paris Agreement.
  • The Kyoto Protocol laid important groundwork for future climate agreements by raising awareness about global warming and setting a precedent for international cooperation. Its focus on binding targets influenced the structure of later agreements such as the Paris Agreement, which sought a more inclusive approach by involving both developed and developing nations. However, the shortcomings of Kyoto also served as lessons; the Paris Agreement emphasizes nationally determined contributions rather than fixed targets, aiming for greater participation and flexibility in global efforts against climate change.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change, such as CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide.

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

Paris Agreement:

An international accord adopted in 2015 that builds upon the Kyoto Protocol, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.