Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol is the international treaty adopted at Kyoto on 11 December 1997 as a protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Its central rule binds the Parties listed in Annex I of the Protocol to ensure, individually or jointly, that their aggregate emissions of the greenhouse gases listed in Annex A stay within assigned amounts, with the overall aim of reducing those emissions by at least 5 per cent below 1990 levels in the commitment period 2008 to 2012. The quantified limit for each Party is inscribed in Annex B. The text also provides for emissions trading among Annex B Parties, supplemental to domestic action, and for certified emission reductions that can be used toward compliance. The Protocol was open for signature from 16 March 1998 to 15 March 1999 and was to enter into force on the ninetieth day after at least 55 Parties to the Convention, including Annex I Parties accounting for at least 55 per cent of Annex I carbon dioxide emissions for 1990, had deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.