Kyoto Protocol

The UNFCC encouraged industrialised countries to stabilise GHG emissions in the atmosphere, but little was actually being achieved. In order to commit those countries to actual reductions, a Protocol to the Convention was agreed in Kyoto , Japan . The Protocol was adopted on 11 December 1997 and entered into force on 16th February 2005 . The Protocol has been ratified by 184 parties of the Convention.

City Smog
Courtesy of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

The Kyoto Protocol is an agreement negotiated as an amendment to the UNFCCC. It is open for all parties to the UNFCCC to sign and ratify. By 2008, the commitments laid out in this legally binding agreement were ratified by 184 parties.

The key aspect of the Kyoto Protocol is that it sets binding targets for thirty seven developed countries and the European community. These industrialised countries are responsible for most of the GHG emissions that are causing increases in global temperatures. 

The Kyoto Protocol aims to reduce the overall GHG emission by an average of 5% over the five year period 2008-2012, in comparision to 1990 levels. The European Union, wishing to show leadership on this important topic, undertook to reduce emissions by an average of 8% against 1990 levels.

1. Industrialised countries that agree to reduce their GHG emissions to targets that are mainly set below their 1990 levels
    
2. Developed countries that pay for cost of developing countries
    
3. Developing countries that are not expected to de-carbonize their economy unless developed countries supply financial and technological assistance

Cork County Council is an excellent example of a sustainable structure.

This bulding is an excellent example of Accessible Design and a sustainable structure. The tower has been fitted out with a climactically responsive glass louver façade - which allows it to be naturally ventilated - text pads, anti-glare blinds, wheelchair accessible toilets on eight floors and lifts on each floor.

Courtesy of Cork County Council

Cork County Council is an excellent example of a sustainable structure.
Courtesy of Cork County Council

Cork County Council is an excellent example of a sustainable structure.

This bulding is an excellent example of Accessible Design and a sustainable structure. The tower has been fitted out with a climactically responsive glass louver façade - which allows it to be naturally ventilated - text pads, anti-glare blinds, wheelchair accessible toilets on eight floors and lifts on each floor.

Courtesy of Cork County Council

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The Kyoto Protocol offers a flexible approach for signatories to reduce their GHG emissions:

• Emissions trading: the aim of the Protocol is for overall reductions in GHG emissions, regardless of where in the world the reductions take place. As costs of GHG reductions are higher in some countries than others, some countries can achieve large reductions at a cheaper cost. Surplus reductions can be sold to those countries that have not met their targets.
   
• The Clean development mechanism: signatories are allowed to invest clean energy schemes in developing countries, and use the developing countries' GHG emission reductions to help meet their own targets.
   
• Joint implimentation: permits developed countries to invest in GHG emission reduction programmes in other developed countries, and use those reductions towards their own national targets.

Between 1990 and 2008 there has been a 6.1% reduction in GHG emissions from developed countries that have ratified the Kyoto Protocol. Some countries that are still above their Kyoto target committments, including Ireland , can achieve their set targets through emissions trading..

While Kyoto is only a first step and its targets expire in 2012, it is nonetheless a significant step. Further plans are currently underway under the UNFCCC to address the issue of global warming after 2012.

In January 2007, the ambitious goals for tackling climate change post 2012 were outlined in the EU document "Limiting Global Climate Change to 2 degrees Celsius: The way ahead for 2020 and beyond". This requires all countries to achieve the necessary cuts in GHG emissions in order to prevent the temperature from rising 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This will mean more stringent policies at national level.