A Comprehensive Analysis of Kyoto Protocol
Keywords:
Environmental Law, Kyoto Protocol, Emission Reduction, Developed and Developing NationsAbstract
“We think that the Kyoto Protocol is a necessary document, necessary process. I am convinced that we will agree to disagree about substance” - Goran Persson (Former Prime Minister of Sweden)
The Kyoto Protocol was established on December 11th, 1997. Due to a complicated ratification procedure, it went into effect on February 16, 2005. The Kyoto Protocol makes the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change operative by obligating industrialised nations and economies in transition to limit and decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions according to the specified objectives.
The Convention itself only requires these nations to implement mitigation policies and actions and to submit periodic reports of their progress. It exclusively binds industrialised nations and lays a higher burden on them in accordance with the notion of "common but differentiated responsibility and distinct capacities," recognising that they are primarily responsible for the present high levels of GHG emissions in the atmosphere. Under Annex B of the Kyoto Protocol, 37 industrialised nations, economies in transition, and the European Union are obligated to reduce their emissions.
