1997 Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

The 1997 Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted to address the need for legally binding emission reduction targets and timelines. It adopts the ultimate objective stated in Article 2 of the UNFCCC to achieve stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Furthermore, the Protocol is guided by principles articulated in Article 3 of the UNFCCC.

Article 3 of the Protocol expressly provides that the UNFCCC Annex I Parties shall individually or jointly ensure that their aggregate anthropogenic carbon dioxide equivalent emissions of the greenhouse gases listed do not exceed their assigned amounts calculated based on their quantified emission limitation. The Protocol aims to achieve emission limitation and reduction commitments through national actions, policies and measures, and through international market mechanisms. National policies and measures include:

• Energy efficiency enhancement
• Renewable energy promotion
• Removal of subsidies and market distortions
• Transport sector emissions reduction
• Methane emission recovery via waste management

International market mechanisms include joint implementation, clean development mechanisms and emissions trading.