The Kyoto Protocol is currently the only legally-binding international agreement that seeks to tackle the challenges of global warming. By setting individual greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets for 35 industrialized countries and members of the European Community (known as Annex I Parties), the Protocol aims to cut global emissions by 5% of 1990 levels by 2012.

For most countries, this corresponds to emissions levels 15% below those anticipated under a "business as usual" scenario. This reduction is not sufficient to address all aspects of climate change or curb global warming. It is, however, a noteworthy accomplishment in light of the complexity surrounding international climate change negotiations.

Signatories to the Kyoto Protocol: June 2005

Negotiating the Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol is an agreement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), an international treaty ratified by 189 countries. Although officially adopted in 1997, the Protocol would not enter into force until ratified by 55 countries that account for over 55% of industrialized country emissions from 1990. The following years of negotiations established detailed rules of implementation and compliance, but key players such as the United States (36% of emissions) and Russia (17%) remained hesitant due to economic concerns. Although several nations, including the United States and Australia have yet to ratify the Protocol, it finally entered into force in 2005 after ratification by Russia (see map).

Flexibility Mechanisms for Reducing Emissions and Achieving Kyoto

The final rulebook, known as the Marrakesh Accords, introduces several "flexibility mechanisms" to help reduce the cost of meeting emissions targets. Under joint implementation, an Annex I Party may reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a different Annex I Party, and count the resulting emission reduction units (ERUs) against its own target. Similarly, under the clean development mechanism, an Annex I Party can earn certified emission reductions (CERs) by reducing emissions in a non-Annex I Party (a developing country). ERUs and CERs can be earned through a variety of projects such as financing renewable energy initiatives, implementing energy efficient technology, or increasing carbon sinks by reducing deforestation.

Controversy Over Developing Countries

Many controversial issues continue to burden climate negotiations, including the status of developing countries within the Kyoto Protocol. Although the developed world is largely responsible for current greenhouse gas levels, rapid population and industrial growth in developing countries will increase their emissions beyond those of the developed world within two decades. China is anticipated to surpass the US as the largest emitter of greenhouse gases by 2009 according to the 2006 World Energy Outlook released by the International Energy Agency. However, developing countries, including China, remain far behind the developed world in terms of cumulative and per capita emissions (see map). Developing countries also argue that complying with Kyoto would undermine their economic development and hinder poverty alleviation.

The Future of the Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol is viewed by many as only a first step in the right direction. More drastic emission reductions will be required beyond the current commitment period in order to seriously tackle global warming. The UNFCCC recently released the Greenhouse Gas Data 2006 report, which showed an upward trend in Annex I Party emissions between 2000 and 2004. As negotiations begin for extending the Kyoto Protocol beyond 2012, the Parties will have to agree on new and more stringent targets for reducing global emissions in the developed and developing world.

RELATED LINKS:

Full text of the Kyoto Protocol

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

WRI Climate Program Website

WRI's Climate Analysis Indicators Tool (International and U.S. Emissions Data)

EarthTrends Climate Data