Summary of Kyoto Protocol, 1997 and Mechanisms of Control
Summary of Kyoto Protocol, 1997
1. What is the Kyoto Protocol?
An international treaty adopted in Kyoto, Japan in 1997 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
It aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to combat global warming and climate change.
It legally binds developed countries (Annex I parties) to emission reduction targets.
2. Key Features
Commitment Period: First commitment period was from 2008 to 2012.
Emission Reduction Targets:
Developed countries agreed to reduce their collective GHG emissions by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels.
Greenhouse Gases Covered:
Includes carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆).
Differentiated Responsibilities:
Developed countries have binding targets, while developing countries (non-Annex I) have no mandatory cuts.
3. Mechanisms of Control under Kyoto Protocol
To help countries meet their targets cost-effectively, the Protocol introduced three flexible market-based mechanisms:
| Mechanism | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Emissions Trading (Carbon Trading) | Allows countries with excess emission allowances to sell them to countries exceeding their limits (the “carbon market”). |
| 2. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) | Enables developed countries to invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries and earn certified emission reduction credits (CERs). |
| 3. Joint Implementation (JI) | Allows developed countries to carry out emission reduction projects in other developed countries and receive emission reduction units (ERUs). |
4. Monitoring, Reporting, and Compliance
Countries must monitor and report their emissions transparently.
A Compliance Committee ensures adherence to commitments, addressing cases of non-compliance.
5. Significance
First legally binding global treaty targeting climate change mitigation.
Pioneered the use of market mechanisms to reduce emissions.
Laid the foundation for later agreements, like the Paris Agreement (2015).
6. Limitations
Major emitters like the USA did not ratify the Protocol.
Developing countries were exempted from binding targets, creating debates about fairness.
Emission reductions were modest and global emissions continued to rise.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Adopted | 1997, Kyoto, Japan |
| Entry into force | 2005 |
| Commitment Period | 2008–2012 (First period) |
| Binding Parties | Developed countries (Annex I) |
| Target | Reduce GHG emissions by 5.2% below 1990 levels |
| Key Gases | CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, HFCs, PFCs, SF₆ |
| Control Mechanisms | Emissions Trading, CDM, Joint Implementation |
Do write to us if you need any further assistance.
RELATED Blog
0 comments