The Kyoto Protocol

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change serves as the overall guideline for reducing global emissions of greenhouse gases. The convention contains no mandatory requirements for member countries. However, in 1997 the parties agreed to extend it by adopting the Kyoto Protocol. From a global perspective, the Kyoto Protocol was historic, as it was the first legally binding international agreement that set specific commitments for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Kyoto Protocol was concluded in December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan, but did not come into force until February 2005, after the Russian ratification in November 2004. Denmark ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2002, as have more than 160 industrialised and large developing countries. Australia originally chose not to ratify the protocol, but did so at COP13 in Bali in December 2007. The US continues to remain outside the Kyoto Protocol.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
The Kyoto Protocol sets binding targets for industrialised countries' greenhouse gas emissions. Developing countries, however, are committed to implementing non-binding reduction initiatives that are compatible with sustainable development.

The industrialised countries – the Annex 1 countries – are collectively obliged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% over the period 2008-2012 compared with 1990 levels. For example, the EU has committed to reduce emissions by 8%, Canada and Japan by 6% and Russia is committed to stabilise its emissions at 1990-level.

Due to their status as developing countries, the major developing countries have no specific reduction targets, despite the fact that China, for example, has surpassed the US as the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. This is primarily due to the fact that requirements established by the Kyoto Protocol largely reflect an acceptance of the historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the convention's recognition that countries have “common but differentiated responsibilities” and “respective capabilities”. Furthermore, since the Kyoto Protocol was negotiated in 1997, countries such as China, have undergone immense development, causing their greenhouse gas emissions to increase tremendously. However, emissions per capita remain lower than in most of the industrialised countries.

The other “leg” of the protocol addresses the need to adapt to climate change. As part of this effort, Annex 1 countries are committed to help the most vulnerable and least developed countries to adapt to the consequences of climate change. Currently they are supported by the UN's Global Environment Facility and a 2% “tax” on credits earned from Clean Development Mechanism projects in developing countries.

What does the Kyoto Protocol include?
The Kyoto Protocol covers the six greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and industrial gases HFCs, PFCs and SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride). For convenience, carbon dioxide (CO2) is used as a benchmark and the other gases are converted into their CO² equivalents.

The protocol also considers carbon capture by forests and soils and considers the need to address greenhouse gas emissions caused by deforestation. Emissions from aircraft and shipping are not included in the protocol. However, Annex 1 parties should pursue limitation or reduction working through the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the International Maritime Organisation, respectively.