- By 1995, nations collectively recognized the inadequacy of the Convention’s provisions for emission reductions.
- Subsequently, discussions ensued to enhance the global response to climate change, culminating in the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol two years later.
- The Kyoto Protocol operationalizes the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by mandating developed nations and economies in transition to establish and fulfill individual emission targets for greenhouse gases (GHG).
- In contrast, the Convention only mandates these nations to formulate mitigation-related policies and procedures and submit regular reports.
- The Kyoto Protocol maintains the annex-based structure of the Convention, aligning with its rules and provisions.
- Guided by the principle of “common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities,” it exclusively binds developed nations, imposing a greater burden on them.
- This recognition stems from an acknowledgment that they bear primary responsibility for the elevated levels of GHG emissions currently present in the atmosphere.
COP 3 – OBJECTIVES
- During its initial commitment phase, the Kyoto Protocol sets forth legally binding carbon reduction targets for the European Union and 37 developed nations.
- This commitment specifically applies to developed nations, recognizing their historical responsibility for the elevated levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the atmosphere, stemming from over 150 years of economic activity.
- Guided by the principle of “common but differentiated responsibility,” the Kyoto Protocol imposes a more substantial burden on developed nations.
- These binding targets aim for an average 5% reduction in emissions relative to 1990 levels over the five-year period spanning from 2008 to 2012.
EMISSION REDUCTION COMMITMENTS
- The initial step involved developed country parties making legally enforceable commitments to decrease their emissions, signaling a restricted allowance for pollution.
- Notably, carbon dioxide, a primary greenhouse gas, transformed into a novel commodity.
- As the Kyoto Protocol recognized the existence of an unpriced externality, efforts were initiated to internalize this aspect.
FLEXIBLE MARKET MECHANISMS
- The Kyoto Protocol’s flexible market mechanisms operate through the exchange of emissions permits.
- Nations bound by KP targets are required to reduce their emissions domestically to fulfill their commitments.
- However, they have the option to partially meet their targets by utilizing three “market-based mechanisms.”
- These mechanisms are designed to promote greenhouse gas (GHG) abatement in the most cost-effective locations, often in underdeveloped nations.
- In essence, as long as emissions are reduced and removed from the Earth’s atmosphere, the specific location of these reductions holds little significance.
JOINT IMPLEMENTATION
- Joint Implementation (JI) is a mechanism established by the Kyoto Protocol, allowing a country with emission reduction or limitation commitments to acquire emission reduction units (ERUs) through a collaborative process.
- By utilizing joint implementation, a country can fulfill its Kyoto target by obtaining ERUs from a project focused on emission reduction or removal in another Annex B Party. Each ERU obtained is equivalent to one tonne of CO2.
- The process of joint implementation provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness for Parties to meet a portion of their Kyoto commitments.
- Additionally, the host Party benefits from foreign investment and knowledge transfer as a result of participating in joint implementation projects.
- Projects initiated in the year 2000 or later may qualify for joint implementation status, and the issuance of ERUs begins in 2008.
CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISMS
- A nation with a commitment under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce or limit emissions has the opportunity to undertake emission-reduction projects in developing nations through the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
- The CDM is a pioneering global environmental investment and credit program, providing Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) as a standardized mechanism for offsetting emissions.
- These initiatives have the potential to produce tradable Certified Emission Reduction (CER) credits.
- These credits play a crucial role in meeting Kyoto commitments, with each CER being equivalent to one tonne of CO2.
- The Clean Development Mechanism facilitates collaboration between developed and developing nations, encouraging sustainable projects that contribute to emissions reduction on a global scale.
DOHA AMENDMENT
- On December 8, 2012, the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol was officially adopted in Doha, Qatar, marking the initiation of a second commitment period spanning from 2013 to 2020.
- This amendment gained widespread acceptance, with 147 Parties depositing their instruments of acceptance by October 28, 2020, surpassing the required threshold of 144 instruments for the Doha Amendment to enter into force.
- Consequently, the amendment became effective on December 31, 2020.
Key aspects of the Doha Amendment include:
New Commitments: Annex I Kyoto Protocol Parties agreed to undertake new commitments for the second commitment period, extending from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2020.
Revised GHG Reporting: Parties committed to reporting on a revised list of greenhouse gases (GHGs) during the second commitment period.
Amendments to Protocol Articles: Several articles of the Kyoto Protocol, which referred to issues from the first commitment period, were amended to align with the requirements of the second commitment period.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, acting as the Depositary, distributed the amendment to all Kyoto Protocol Parties on December 21, 2012, in accordance with Articles 20 and 21 of the Protocol.
During the initial commitment period, 37 industrialized countries and economies in transition, along with the European Community, pledged to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by an average of 5% compared to 1990 levels. In the subsequent commitment period (2013-2020), Parties committed to more ambitious targets, aiming for at least an 18% reduction below 1990 levels. It’s important to note that the composition of Parties involved in the second commitment period differs from the first.
FAQs: KYOTO PROTOCOL
1. What led to the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol?
A: By 1995, nations recognized the inadequacy of the Convention’s emission reduction provisions. This realization prompted discussions, resulting in the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol two years later.
2. How does the Kyoto Protocol differ from the UNFCCC?
A: The Kyoto Protocol operationalizes the UNFCCC by mandating emission targets for developed nations and economies in transition, unlike the Convention, which focuses on policy development and reporting.
3. What principle guides the Kyoto Protocol’s approach to emissions?
A: The Kyoto Protocol follows the principle of “common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities,” exclusively binding developed nations due to their historical responsibility for high greenhouse gas levels.
4. What were the objectives of COP 3 under the Kyoto Protocol?
A: COP 3 aimed to establish legally binding carbon reduction targets for developed nations, particularly the European Union, acknowledging their historical contribution to elevated greenhouse gas levels.
5. How did the Kyoto Protocol address emission reduction commitments?
A: Developed nations made legally enforceable commitments, signaling limited pollution allowance. Carbon dioxide, a primary greenhouse gas, transformed into a tradable commodity as the protocol internalized the unpriced externality.
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