Q.8 - Kyoto Protocol

Answer: Kyoto Protocol and Its Significance

The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty adopted on December 11, 1997 in Kyoto, Japan, and entered into force on February 16, 2005. It is the first legally binding international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by developed (Annex I) countries.

Key Features

Binding Targets: 37 industrialized countries committed to reduce emissions by average 5.2% below 1990 levels during 2008-2012

Annex I Countries: Developed nations with binding targets

Non-Annex I: Developing countries (including India) - no binding targets

Principle: Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)

Flexible Mechanisms

Mechanism	Description
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)	Developed countries invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries and earn carbon credits (CERs)
Joint Implementation (JI)	Developed countries earn credits by funding projects in other developed countries
Emissions Trading	Countries can trade emission permits (carbon market)

Mechanism

Description

Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)

Developed countries invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries and earn carbon credits (CERs)

Joint Implementation (JI)

Developed countries earn credits by funding projects in other developed countries

Emissions Trading

Countries can trade emission permits (carbon market)

Significance of Kyoto Protocol

1. First Binding Climate Treaty

First international agreement with legally binding emission targets

Established legal framework for climate action

Demonstrated international cooperation on climate

2. Established Carbon Markets

Created global carbon trading system

CDM generated billions in clean energy investments

India was major CDM beneficiary (1500+ projects)

3. Technology Transfer

Promoted transfer of clean technologies to developing countries

Funded renewable energy and efficiency projects

4. Foundation for Paris Agreement

Provided experience and lessons for future agreements

Led to adoption of Paris Agreement (2015)

Limitations: USA never ratified | Canada withdrew | Only covered ~15% of global emissions | Developing countries had no targets | Ended in 2020

Conclusion

The Kyoto Protocol was a landmark achievement as the first legally binding international climate agreement. Despite limitations (US non-participation, limited coverage), it established important principles like CBDR, created carbon markets through CDM, and laid the groundwork for the Paris Agreement. India benefited significantly from CDM projects without binding emission commitments. The Protocol's legacy continues in the international climate framework.

Sources: Module 1 Notes | UNFCCC | Module 4 Notes