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. Adopted in 1997, the protocol represents a significant effort in global environmental governance, addressing both environmental policy and international relations in terms of climate change responsibilities and national security considerations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Kyoto Protocol set legally binding targets for developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5% below 1990 levels during the commitment period from 2008 to 2012.
2. The protocol emphasized the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities,' recognizing that developed countries bear a greater burden due to their historical contributions to greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Participation in the Kyoto Protocol was voluntary, leading to varying levels of commitment among countries, with notable absences such as the United States, which signed but never ratified the treaty.
4. The treaty introduced mechanisms like Joint Implementation and Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), allowing countries to invest in emission-reducing projects in developing nations as a way to meet their targets.
5. The effectiveness of the Kyoto Protocol has been debated, with criticisms focusing on its limited impact on global emissions due to non-participation of major emitters and its reliance on voluntary compliance.

Review Questions

• How does the Kyoto Protocol illustrate the concept of international cooperation in addressing climate change?
  • The Kyoto Protocol is a prime example of international cooperation as it brought together multiple nations with a shared goal of combating climate change through legally binding commitments. By acknowledging that global warming is a collective problem requiring collective action, countries agreed to specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This cooperative framework reflects the importance of diplomacy and collaborative efforts among nations to address environmental challenges that transcend national borders.
• What are some critiques of the Kyoto Protocol regarding its effectiveness in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions?
  • Critics argue that the Kyoto Protocol has limitations in effectively reducing global greenhouse gas emissions due to its voluntary nature and lack of enforcement mechanisms. Major emitting countries like the United States did not ratify the treaty, which undermined its overall impact. Furthermore, the focus on developed nations meant that developing countries were not bound by strict emissions targets, leading to concerns about fairness and accountability in addressing climate change.
• Evaluate how the principles established by the Kyoto Protocol have influenced subsequent international climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement.
  • The principles established by the Kyoto Protocol have significantly influenced subsequent international climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement. The focus on differentiated responsibilities recognized that developed nations should take a leading role in emissions reductions while providing support for developing countries. Additionally, lessons learned from Kyoto's challenges led to a more inclusive approach in Paris, where all countries set their own voluntary targets, allowing for greater participation and flexibility. The evolution from Kyoto to Paris demonstrates a shift towards a more collaborative and adaptable framework for tackling climate change on a global scale.

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).

Paris Agreement:

A landmark international accord from 2015 that builds upon the Kyoto Protocol by aiming to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Emissions Trading: A market-based approach to controlling pollution by providing economic incentives for reducing emissions, allowing countries or companies to buy and sell allowances for emissions under cap-and-trade programs.