Answer: Kyoto Protocol
1. Introduction
Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty adopted on December 11, 1997, in Kyoto, Japan, that operationalizes the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by committing industrialized countries to legally binding greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
Key Facts:
• Adopted: December 11, 1997 (COP 3, Kyoto, Japan)
• Entered into Force: February 16, 2005
• Parties: 192 countries (but USA never ratified; Canada withdrew)
2. Key Features
A. Binding Emission Targets:
- 37 industrialized countries (Annex I) and EU committed to reduce GHG emissions
- First Commitment Period (2008-2012): Average 5.2% reduction below 1990 levels
- Doha Amendment (2012-2020): 18% reduction below 1990 levels
- Targets varied by country (EU: -8%, USA: -7%, Japan: -6%, Russia: 0%)
B. Six Greenhouse Gases Covered:
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- Methane (CH4)
- Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
- Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
- Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
- Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)
C. Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR):
- Recognizes developed countries' historical responsibility for emissions
- Developing countries (Non-Annex I) had no binding targets
- India classified as Non-Annex I - no mandatory reduction targets
3. Flexible Mechanisms
The Protocol introduced market-based mechanisms to help countries meet targets cost-effectively:
| Mechanism |
Description |
How It Works |
| Emissions Trading (ET) |
Carbon market between Annex I countries |
Countries exceeding targets can sell surplus credits to those falling short |
| Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) |
Projects in developing countries |
Developed countries invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries, earn Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) |
| Joint Implementation (JI) |
Projects between Annex I countries |
Developed countries invest in projects in other developed/transition economies |
4. India and Kyoto Protocol
- Status: India ratified the Protocol in August 2002
- Classification: Non-Annex I country (developing) - no binding targets
- CDM Benefits: India was one of the largest CDM host countries:
- 2000+ CDM projects registered
- Projects in renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management
- Generated millions of CERs, attracting foreign investment
- Position: Supported CBDR principle; advocated for developed countries to take lead
5. Achievements and Limitations
Achievements:
- First legally binding international climate treaty
- Established global carbon market infrastructure
- Covered countries achieved 24% reduction (exceeded 5% target)
- CDM promoted clean technology transfer to developing countries
- Created awareness and international cooperation framework
Limitations:
- USA Non-Participation: World's largest historical emitter never ratified
- Limited Coverage: Only ~15% of global emissions under binding targets
- No Developing Country Targets: China, India excluded despite growing emissions
- Carbon Leakage: Industries shifted to non-Kyoto countries
- Weak Enforcement: Limited penalties for non-compliance
6. Legacy and Transition to Paris Agreement
- Kyoto Protocol's limitations led to negotiation of Paris Agreement (2015)
- Paris Agreement applies to all countries (not just developed)
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) replace top-down targets
- Kyoto mechanisms evolved into Paris Agreement's Article 6 market mechanisms
| Aspect |
Kyoto Protocol |
Paris Agreement |
| Coverage |
Developed countries only |
All countries |
| Targets |
Top-down, binding for Annex I |
Bottom-up NDCs, voluntary |
| Goal |
5% reduction from 1990 |
Limit warming to 1.5-2°C |
Conclusion
The Kyoto Protocol was a landmark achievement as the first legally binding international treaty to combat climate change, establishing emission reduction targets for developed countries and innovative market mechanisms like CDM. While it achieved reductions among participating countries and built international climate governance infrastructure, its exclusion of major emitters (USA, and developing countries) limited its effectiveness. The Protocol's experiences and lessons directly informed the design of the more inclusive Paris Agreement. For India, Kyoto provided CDM benefits and established the CBDR principle that remains important in climate negotiations.
Sources: Module 1 Notes | UNFCCC | IPCC | Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change India