Introduction
The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It stands as the first legally binding international step aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the globe.
Main Content
- Adoption and Entry into Force:
- Adopted: December 11, 1997 at COP 3 in Kyoto, Japan.
- Entry into Force: February 16, 2005.
- Total Parties: 192 parties.
- Commitment Periods & Reduction Targets:
- First Commitment Period (2008–2012): Required 37 industrial nations and the European Union to reduce GHG emissions by an average of 5% below 1990 levels.
- Second Commitment Period (2013–2020): Established through the Doha Amendment, aiming for at least an 18% reduction below 1990 levels.
- Targeted Greenhouse Gases (Annex A):
- Original 6 GHGs: Carbon dioxide (CO₂), Methane (CH₄), Nitrous oxide (N₂O), Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆).
- 7th GHG added in 2012 (Doha Amendment): Nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃).
- Nepal's Involvement:
- Ratification by Nepal: September 16, 2005.
- Entry into force in Nepal: December 14, 2005.
Key Takeaways
- The Kyoto Protocol was adopted on December 11, 1997 (COP 3) and entered into force on February 16, 2005.
- The 1st commitment period targeted a 5% reduction below 1990 levels, and the 2nd (Doha) targeted an 18% reduction.
- Nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃) was added as the 7th greenhouse gas under the 2012 Doha Amendment.
- Nepal ratified the Kyoto Protocol on September 16, 2005.
What to Avoid
- Do not confuse adoption date (December 11, 1997) with entry into force date (February 16, 2005).
- Do not forget that Nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃) was added later in 2012, bringing the total listed GHGs in Annex A to 7.
- Do not mistake the 1st period reduction target (5%) with the 2nd period target (18%).
FAQ
Q1: When was the Kyoto Protocol adopted and when did it enter into force? It was adopted on December 11, 1997 at COP 3 in Kyoto, Japan, and entered into force on February 16, 2005.
Q2: What were the emission reduction targets for the two commitment periods? The 1st period (2008–2012) targeted a 5% reduction below 1990 levels, while the 2nd period (2013–2020) aimed for at least an 18% reduction.
Q3: How many greenhouse gases are covered under the Kyoto Protocol Annex A? Initially 6 greenhouse gases were covered, and Nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃) was added in 2012, making a total of 7 gases.
Q4: When did Nepal ratify the Kyoto Protocol? Nepal ratified the Kyoto Protocol on September 16, 2005, and it came into force in Nepal on December 14, 2005.
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