Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol is a global agreement with the major aim of reducing the release of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. This treaty specifically addresses six key greenhouse gases which are – carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.

This treaty is an extension of the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change called the UNFCCC, which is meant to focus on curbing emissions to combat climate change. In this article, we will look into the details of the Kyoto Protocol.

Let’s discuss.

Kyoto Protocol

What is the Kyoto Protocol?

The Kyoto Protocol is based on the idea that countries have different responsibilities depending on their development and the principle that those who pollute should pay. This international environmental agreement aims to tackle issues related to the climate on a global scale. From 2008 to 2012, 36 nations took part in the first commitment period of the protocol. Nine of these nations used flexibility mechanisms because their national emissions exceeded the set targets. Consequently, these countries provided financial support for projects that aimed to reduce emissions in other nations.

Despite efforts by the 36 developed nations to decrease their emissions, global emissions increased by 32% from 1990 to 2010. The financial crisis of 2007-08 played a significant role in this increase, leading to an overall reduction in emissions during that period.

Kyoto Protocol UPSC Facts

Some noteworthy details about the Kyoto Protocol that hold significance for UPSC examination include:

Adoption and Implementation

• Established in Kyoto, Japan, on December 11, 1997.
• Took effect on February 16, 2005.

Signatories and Participants

• The Kyoto Protocol has 84 countries as signatories.
• The Kyoto Protocol has 192 countries as participants.

Non Participants Countries

• Canada, Andorra, the United States of America, South Sudan are not participants in the Kyoto Protocol.

Essential Points for UPSC

• A legally binding accord.
• Only members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) can join the Kyoto Protocol.
• Approved during the 3rd session of UNFCCC.
• Exempts international shipping and aviation from the Kyoto Protocol targets.
• Permits countries to utilise Land Use (LU), land-use change (LUC), and Forestry to fulfill their Kyoto targets.

Conference of Parties (COP)

• The formal gathering of all countries linked with the Kyoto Protocol is termed the Conference of Parties.

India’s Stand

• India was excluded from legally binding commitments on greenhouse gas emissions.
• Emphasised differentiation between developed and developing nations concerning the burden of responsibility for climate action.
• Successfully advocated for its commitment to socio-economic development while urging developed countries (Annex I category) to assume greater responsibilities in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol – IAS Exam Facts

Some important facts about Doha Amendment to the Kyoto protocol are: 

1. Targets with Legal Obligations

In accordance with the Doha Amendments, 37 nations are obligated to adhere to emission reduction targets.

2. Canada’s Withdrawal

Canada exited from the Kyoto Protocol in 2012.

3. Acknowledgment of Doha Amendment

Presently, 135 countries have acknowledged the Doha Amendment.

4. Activation

For the Doha Amendment to become effective, a total of 144 nations must acknowledge it.

5. Formal Approval of Binding Agreements

Within the group of nations with binding targets, only 7 have formally approved the Doha Amendment.

The Doha Amendment centres on emission reduction objectives for the second commitment period, spanning from 2012 to 2020, subsequent to the conclusion of the initial commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. These particulars offer important insights for individuals preparing for the IAS Exam.

Kyoto Mechanisms

Countries that made promises in the Kyoto Protocol to control or lower the gases that harm our environment have to reach their goals mainly by doing things within their own borders. The Kyoto Protocol also added three ways of reaching these goals using markets, and now it’s called the carbon market.

These are the Kyoto mechanisms:

• Clean development mechanism (CDM)
• Joint implementation (JI)
• Emissions trading (ET)

These mechanisms:

• Encourage the use of clean technology and investments to help communities grow sustainably.
• Assist countries in meeting their Kyoto promises by cutting emissions or taking carbon out of the air in other places, in a way that’s not too expensive.
• Urge businesses and developing countries to help reduce emissions.

These mechanisms are meant to help reduce harmful gases in a smart and efficient way, especially in poorer countries. The goal is to lower emissions wherever possible, as long as we take them out of the air. This has two good effects: it encourages environmentally friendly investments in less wealthy nations and involves businesses in the effort to keep emissions low and safe. It also makes it more affordable to switch to cleaner and better technology, skipping the older, dirtier ones, which has clear long-term advantages.

Monitoring Emission Targets

The Kyoto Protocol also set up a strict system to watch, check, and confirm things, along with a system to make sure everything is clear and holds countries responsible. According to the Protocol, countries must keep an eye on their actual pollution levels and keep detailed records of their trades.

Special systems keep track and write down what countries do under the rules. The UN Climate Change Secretariat, in Bonn, Germany, manages a global log to make sure everything follows the Protocol’s rules. Countries report their pollution levels and other details regularly under the Protocol. A system is in place to make sure countries are keeping their promises and helps them if they face problems.

Adaptation Fund

The Kyoto Protocol, like the Convention, is also made to help countries handle the bad effects of climate change. It makes it easier to create and use technologies that can make us stronger against the impacts of climate change. The Adaptation Fund was started to pay for projects and plans in developing countries that follow the Kyoto Protocol. Initially, the Fund got most of its money from certain project activities. In Doha, in 2012, it was decided that for the second commitment period, international emissions trading and joint implementation would also give the Adaptation Fund a 2 percent share of proceeds.

India and the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol

The information stated below shows India’s engagement and dedication to global initiatives addressing climate change, demonstrated through agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and its subsequent revisions:

• The modification to the Kyoto Protocol was agreed upon during the eighth session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP) in Doha, Qatar, on 8 December 2012. 
• As of 28 October 2020, a total of 147 Parties have submitted their instrument of acceptance, reaching the required number for the Doha Amendment to take effect.
• India, in adherence to its pledge, endorsed the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, aligning with emission targets spanning from 2012 to 2020. 
• India actively participated in the amendment process and became the 80th nation to formally approve the Doha Amendment.

FAQs on Kyoto Protocol

What is the Kyoto Protocol, and when was it adopted?

The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adopted in Kyoto, Japan, on December 11, 1997.

When did the Kyoto Protocol come into force?

The Kyoto Protocol came into force on February 16, 2005.

How many countries are parties to the Kyoto Protocol?

Currently, 192 countries are parties to the Kyoto Protocol.

Which countries are not parties to the Kyoto Protocol?

Canada, Andorra, the United States of America, and South Sudan are notable countries not parties to the Kyoto Protocol.

What is the Doha Amendment, and how many countries have accepted it?

The Doha Amendment focuses on emission reduction targets for the second commitment period (2012-2020). As of October 28, 2020, 147 Parties have accepted it.

How many countries have binding targets under the Doha Amendment?

According to the Doha Amendment, 37 countries have binding targets for emission reduction.

Why did Canada withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol in 2012?

Canada withdrew from the Kyoto Protocol in 2012, impacting the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What are the key principles of the Kyoto Protocol?

The Kyoto Protocol operates on the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities, the socio-economic development of nations, and the polluter pays principle.

What is India’s position in the Kyoto Protocol and the Doha Amendment?

India ratified the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol for 2012-2020 and actively participated in the Doha Amendment, being the 80th country to accept it.

How did the financial crisis of 2007-08 impact emissions under the Kyoto Protocol?

The financial crisis of 2007-08 contributed to a reduction in emissions under the Kyoto Protocol, even though 36 developed countries had reduced their emissions during that period.