When was the Kyoto Protocol adopted and when did it enter into force?
The treaty was adopted on the 11th of December 1997 in Kyoto. It entered into force on the 16th of February 2005 after Russia ratified it.
The treaty was adopted on the 11th of December 1997 in Kyoto. It entered into force on the 16th of February 2005 after Russia ratified it.
Article 4.1 required Annex I Parties to reduce aggregate emissions by 4.2% below 1990 levels during the first commitment period from 2008 to 2012. Individual targets varied significantly with Germany committing to a 21% cut while Greece received permission for a 25% increase.
The protocol defines International Emissions Trading, the Clean Development Mechanism, and Joint Implementation as its three market-based tools. The Clean Development Mechanism produced approximately 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent reductions by 2012.
Canada announced its withdrawal on the 12th of December 2011 citing liability to enormous financial penalties as the primary reason. Environment Minister Peter Kent claimed the decision was necessary to avoid devastating economic consequences for the nation.
By 2020, 192 parties had joined the agreement. In 2010, these participating countries accounted for only 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions despite reducing their own output significantly.