What is the Kyoto Protocol or treaty?

The natural disasters that occur in Japan, Asia, and around the world could be much smaller if humanity did not destroy the earth. Throughout human history, governments have tried to make agreements to end global warming and other natural problems, one of them being the famous Kyoto Protocol or Kyoto Treaty.

The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty aimed at making developed countries commit to reducing greenhouse gases that exacerbate the greenhouse effect, in order to lessen the impacts caused by global warming. Discussions are also held to establish goals and projects that do not harm the Planet.

It all started with conferences to discuss the environment in Toronto in 1988, but it was only in 1997 at another conference held in Kyoto, Japan, that this protocol was proposed, which received the name of Kyoto Protocol, but things are not easy for global bureaucracy.

Who signed the Kyoto Protocol?

It was necessary for 55 countries responsible for 55% of global pollution to sign this treaty. Unfortunately, the USA did not accept the agreement, claiming that this protocol could threaten the American economy. The Kyoto Protocol only came into force on February 16, 2005, shortly after Russia joined the agreement in November 2004.

Practically most countries ratified or signed the Kyoto Protocol. For those who are unaware of the difference between signing and ratifying, when a country signs a treaty, it commits to comply with the agreement; if it ratifies, it is affirming that the country’s legislature is in line with the requirements of the agreement.

By the end of 2009, most countries had ratified the Kyoto Protocol, both Japan and Brazil, and most countries only managed to ratify their signature in 2002. The countries were divided into 2 groups with different obligations called Annex 1 (developed countries) and non-Annex 1 (developing countries).

• Japan and the Asian Tigers

What did the Kyoto Protocol involve?

Each country had a different obligation, but it all boils down to reducing at least 5% of pollutants through reforms in the energy and transportation sectors, using alternative and sustainable energy sources, eliminating inappropriate mechanisms, limiting methane and other gas emissions, and protecting forests and the environment.

For developed countries to comply with what was imposed in the Protocol, they would have to drastically reduce emissions, which would harm economic growth; that is why President George W. Bush refused to sign the treaty and also called the treaty unfair because developing countries did not have as many requirements.

The treaty was set to expire in 2012 but was soon extended to 2020. Some countries are trying to abolish the treaty; in 2017, one of the most discussed issues was the release of CO2 resulting from the uncontrolled deforestation of various countries, such as our Amazon rainforest.

Among the actions presented for compliance with the treaty, there are three Flexibility Mechanisms: (1) Joint Implementation [JI] for creating projects, (2) Emissions Trading or International Emissions Trading, and (3) Clean Development Mechanism [CDM] which consists of sustainable projects for reducing polluting gases.

Other treaties involving the environment

It is quite sad and questionable the position of the USA and some other countries regarding the Kyoto Protocol. Another very sad thing is to see the delay of the entire process and the results do not seem to be enough. Fortunately, there are other agreements in force with various other countries.

Yes, there are several other treaties and international agreements aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment. In this article, we talked about the Kyoto Treaty, which has a bit of a relationship with Japan, resulting in a broader reach. We will conclude by also listing other agreements and treaties related to the environment.

This was my attempt to summarize the Kyoto Protocol or Treaty in a simple and easy way for the readers of the site. There are still many deep things that you can research about this very important Kyoto treaty and the others we will list. Thank you for the comments and shares!

• Agenda 21;
• Bonn Convention;
• OSPAR Convention;
• Environmental Protection Protocol of the Antarctic Treaty;
• Stockholm Conference;
• Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer;
• Stockholm Convention;
• Annapolis Protocol;
• Montreal Protocol;
• Eco-92;