The Kyoto Agreement, also known as the Kyoto Protocol, is an international agreement signed in 1997 aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This agreement was a result of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and was implemented in 2005.
The main objective of the Kyoto Agreement was to limit global emissions of six greenhouse gases, namely carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride, through the implementation of various measures.
The agreement required participating countries to set targets for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions from 2008 to 2012. These targets were primarily based on a country`s historical emissions and its level of development, with more developed countries being required to make greater reductions.
The Kyoto agreement summary also included the establishment of an emissions trading system, which allowed countries to buy and sell emissions credits. This gave countries the flexibility to meet their emissions targets through various means, including investing in renewable energy sources and implementing energy efficiency measures.
Furthermore, the Kyoto Protocol also established a Clean Development Mechanism, which allowed developed countries to earn emission credits by investing in sustainable projects in developing countries. This mechanism aimed to encourage developed countries to support sustainable development in developing countries while also helping to reduce global emissions.
The Kyoto Agreement was a significant step towards addressing global climate change. However, it had its limitations, including the fact that not all countries signed and ratified the agreement, and it only covered a limited number of greenhouse gases.
In 2015, the Paris Agreement replaced the Kyoto Agreement as the main international climate change agreement. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and it includes all countries, not just developed ones.
In conclusion, the Kyoto Agreement was a landmark agreement in the fight against climate change. While it had its limitations, it paved the way for further international cooperation and action to address the urgent issue of global climate change.