Menu
sharewise sharewise
Log in
Sign up
Log in
Sign up
Microsoft strongly encourages users to switch to a different browser than Internet Explorer as it no longer meets modern web and security standards. Therefore we cannot guarantee that our site fully works in Internet Explorer. You can use Chrome or Firefox instead.

Dictionary


Understanding the Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty established in 1997 aimed at addressing and combating global climate change. Its primary goal is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which are the primary cause of global warming. The protocol came about as an extension of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), an agreement signed by countries dedicated to taking necessary action to fight climate change.

Establishing National Commitments

The Kyoto Protocol set legally binding targets for reducing GHG emissions for developed countries - also known as Annex I parties. The assumption here is that developed countries bear the most responsibility for increasing levels of GHG emissions, and therefore, they must lead the way in taking action. Developing countries technically did not have any binding targets.
The protocol required Annex I parties to reduce their overall emissions by at least 5% below 1990 levels within the period 2008-2012, known as the first commitment period. These commitments were outlined in the protocol, and countries had some flexibility in how their goals were achieved. They could start by reducing emissions from industries or by employing clean energy technology.

Emission Reduction Mechanisms

Understanding how the Kyoto Protocol worked necessitates knowing the three innovative mechanisms introduced to help countries reduce their emissions cost-effectively:
  1. International Emissions Trading (IET): This system allowed countries to buy or sell emissions allowances to other countries. Countries that successfully reduced their emissions below their target could sell the surplus to those who needed more allowances to meet their commitments.
  2. Joint Implementation (JI): This mechanism enabled Annex I countries to earn credits - known as Emission Reduction Units (ERUs) - by investing in emissions reduction projects in other Annex I countries. These ERUs could then be used to meet a country's commitments.
  3. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): Perhaps the most groundbreaking mechanism, CDM allowed developed countries to earn certified emission reduction (CER) credits by investing in clean energy projects in developing countries. The CDM aimed to stimulate sustainable development and emission reductions in developing countries while providing Annex I countries with more options to meet their emission reduction targets.

Monitoring and Compliance

It's crucial to have a system in place to ensure that parties are adhering to the commitments they've made. The Kyoto Protocol established a comprehensive monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) system for this purpose. Each country was required to track and report their GHG emissions data regularly. To ensure accuracy and transparency, these reports were subject to an international assessment process.
If a country failed to meet its emissions target, consequences were in place to ensure compliance. The country would need to make up the difference between its target and actual emissions plus an additional penalty in the second commitment period (2013-2020). Additionally, the non-compliant country would be suspended from participating in emissions trading until they proved commitment to meeting future targets.

Progress of the Kyoto Protocol

According to UNFCCC reports, the first commitment period saw most countries reach their targets, mainly due to policies aimed at reducing emissions from energy production and use. Additionally, the Protocol stimulated the growth of renewable energy and increased cooperation between countries in addressing climate change.
However, critics argue that the success achieved under the Protocol was minimal as emissions continued to rise throughout the period while the participation of major emitting countries like the United States and China was limited.

Beyond Kyoto: The Paris Agreement

While the Kyoto Protocol primarily focused on binding developed countries, the situation has shifted significantly over the past two decades. The Paris Agreement, established in 2015, is considered the successor of the Kyoto Protocol. Its inception reflects the changing dynamics with emerging economies now holding more responsibility in reducing emissions.
The Paris Agreement aims to strengthen the global response to climate change by targeting a more ambitious goal: to limit global warming to below 2°C above preindustrial levels, preferably 1.5°C. Unlike the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement includes nationally determined contributions from all participating countries and is based on a "ratchet mechanism" to increase ambition over time.

Conclusion

The Kyoto Protocol was a crucial milestone in global climate policy development, as it was the first international treaty aimed at fighting climate change through binding emission reduction commitments. Its innovative mechanisms offered cost-effective ways for countries to reduce their emissions, and its monitoring and compliance system ensured transparency and accountability. While the Kyoto Protocol achieved some important milestones, the Paris Agreement has taken over as the primary global climate policy vehicle, addressing the evolving global climate landscape with a more comprehensive and ambitious approach to tackling the most pressing challenge of the 21st century.
Feedback