Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol is mainly an agreement that was made in the year 1997, by the United Nations in order to restrict greenhouse gas emissions globally.

In order to fight the problem of greenhouse gas emissions as well as climate change, in the year 1997, an agreement was made by the United Nations which is nothing but the Kyoto Protocol. This protocol is found to concentrate on the developed countries who are the main sources of carbon emissions as well as also rescue the developing countries from the protocol’s requirements. The Kyoto Protocol functionalizes the United Nations Framework Conference on the Global warming issue as well as climate change by dedicating industrialized countries to restrict and ultimately minimize greenhouse gas emissions. 

What is the Kyoto protocol?

Increased human-caused greenhouse gases are the main reason behind global warming and also the health as well as ecological emergencies. It can be stated that the Kyoto Protocol is nothing but a contract that was created by the United Nations in the year 1997 to fight greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, it can be said that the Kyoto Protocol is an international contract that is liable to summon industrialized nations who are the main source of greenhouse gas emissions to restrict as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Kyoto Protocol was obtained in “Kyoto”, “Japan” in the year 1997. Furthermore, it can be said that in the year 2005, the Kyoto Protocol became international law.   

What does the Kyoto Protocol cover?

The Kyoto Protocol is liable to place the burden for greenhouse gas emissions reductions on the developed countries worldwide as they are the main source of greenhouse gas emissions. In this regard, it can be stated that the Kyoto Protocol is found to go into effect from the year 2005. The Kyoto protocol emphasizes the main six greenhouse gases. These are “Carbon dioxide”, “Methane”, “Perfluorocarbons”, “Nitrous oxide”, “Hydrofluorocarbons”, and “Sulfur hexafluoride”. On the other hand, it can be said that a carbon credits system is also included in this protocol by which several countries from across the world can acquire credits by engaging in greenhouse gas emissions reduction projects in other countries.  

The Kyoto protocol mechanisms

The development of flexible market mechanisms regarding the trade of emissions permits is a significant element of the Kyoto Protocol. Via national measures, all the participating nations under the Kyoto Protocol must reach their targets. 

On the other hand, the Kyoto protocol is found to offer three market-based mechanisms to the participating countries in order to meet their greenhouse gas reduction targets. These mechanisms are listed below. 

International Emission Trading mechanism

This is the mechanism that is displayed in Article17 of the Kyoto Protocol. Emissions trading mechanism is nothing but renowned as “Cap and Trade”. Moreover, it can be stated that the “International Emission Trading mechanism” is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this regard, it can be stated that a government fixed a cap on the highest level of emissions as well as generated consents for each and every unit of greenhouse gas emissions accommodated under the cap. Apart from the EU emissions trading system several national, as well as sub-national systems, are found to operate already or in developing situations.    

Clean Development Mechanism

This is the mechanism that is mentioned in Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol. It is found to allow a nation involved in the Kyoto Protocol to implement a greenhouse gas emission retrenchment project in developing nations. In this regard, it can be stated that such projects are liable to achieve bribable certified emission reduction credits which are identical to 1 ton of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, and ultimately can be calculated towards achieving targets that are set by the Kyoto Protocol.

Joint implementation mechanism

This is the mechanism that is mentioned in the Article6 of the Kyoto Protocol. It is found to allow a country involved in the Kyoto protocol, to achieve units regarding emission reduction from an emission removal as well as reduction project in another party. Each unit is identical to 1 ton of carbon dioxide and calculated towards reaching its target set by the Kyoto Protocol.

Monitoring emission targets under the Kyoto protocol

Systems

Uses

the Registry system

These systems are liable to track as well as record the transactions by parties under the mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol.

Reporting

In this system, parties under the Kyoto protocol, at constant intervals, submit their national reports as well as emission inventories annually.   

Compliance

This system is liable to assure all the parties are keeping their promises and also help to reach their commitments. 

Adaptation

This system assists nations in adapting to the hostile effects of climate change.

Conclusion

Taking everything into account it can be said that the discussion on the Kyoto Protocol has provided a clear understanding of several mechanisms of this protocol in emission-reduction. Moreover, several monitoring systems of this protocol have also been mentioned here. The overview of the Kyoto protocol has been successfully represented here. 

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the MPPSC Examination Preparation.

What is the main purpose of the Kyoto Protocol?

Ans :This is a treaty among the developed countries to restrict as well as minimize carbon dioxide and other greenho...Read full

Why did the U.S. refuse to sign the Kyoto Protocol?

Ans :The United States pulled out of the Kyoto Protocol treaty as the protocol only called for the developed countri...Read full

What problems were faced by the developing nations with the Kyoto Protocol?

Ans ;Developing nations were not ordered to act under the Kyoto protocol as well as stepping forward to reduce green...Read full