What is the Kyoto Protocol?-February 2024-www.zdask.com

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What is the Kyoto Protocol?

The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement that was adopted in 1997 as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It is named after the city of Kyoto, Japan, where the agreement was negotiated.

The main objective of the Kyoto Protocol is to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It sets binding targets for industrialized countries to reduce their emissions of six greenhouse gases, namely carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).

Under the Kyoto Protocol, each participating country is assigned a specific emissions reduction target, known as a “quantified emission limitation and reduction objective” (QELRO). These targets are legally binding and aim to collectively reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.

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In addition to setting emission reduction targets, the Kyoto Protocol also establishes mechanisms to promote sustainable development and assist countries in meeting their targets. These mechanisms include the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Joint Implementation (JI), and Emissions Trading.

The CDM allows developed countries to invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries, while the JI enables developed countries to earn emission reduction credits by investing in projects in other developed countries. Emissions Trading, on the other hand, allows countries to buy and sell emission allowances, providing flexibility in meeting their targets.

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The Kyoto Protocol has played a significant role in shaping international efforts to address climate change. However, it has faced criticism for its limited scope, as it only applies to a subset of countries and does not include major emitters such as the United States and China. Nevertheless, it has paved the way for subsequent climate agreements and has raised global awareness about the need for collective action to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Keywords: countries, protocol, climate, emissions, targets, reduction, emission, change, greenhouse