We often read in the news information about the acquaintance Kyoto or Kyoto Protocol on climate change, an international agreement that was signed with a view to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and thus minimizing the effects of global warming, but what exactly does this protocol consist of and what influence does it have - or could it have - for the Planet?
This agreement was created in response to the threat posed by the climate field and the problems that global industries pose to the environment. The promoter was the United Nations (UN) in 1997 in Kyoto (Japan). It proposes getting countries (especially the most industrialized and polluting ones) to commit to taking measures to reduce their emissions. Right now, and always depending on each nation, a reduction of at least 5.2% in the emission of highly polluting gases that are destroying the planet is proposed. In Green Ecologist, we explain a summary of what the Kyoto Protocol is and what it consists of.
What is the Kyoto Protocol or Kyoto - summary
Starting from what was indicated at the beginning and by way of summary, we can say that this protocol ensures reduce polluting gas emissions and improve the environment. Each signatory country, individually, is bound by the Kyoto Protocol to comply with emission percentages with the goal of reducing pollution. What you want to achieve are emission reduction targets for a number of industrialized countries, including all members of the European Union. Pollution permits (the maximum they can pollute) are calculated depending on the pollution rates that each nation emits.
This protocol is of great importance, as it is the only international mechanism to face climate change and minimize its impacts. It is an instrument that is within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), one of the most important international legal apparatuses destined to fight against dangerous climate change. This protocol tries to encourage governments to establish laws to fulfill their commitments and companies must also have a responsibility. We could classify it as a first and important step.
Which greenhouse gases must be reduced according to the Kyoto Protocol
These are the greenhouse gases to be reduced as agreed in the Kyoto or Kyoto Protocol:
Carbon dioxide or CO2
It is produced in the world on a large scale every time fossil fuels are burned. The single most determining factor for climate change and the biggest Kyoto target.
Methane gas
It comes from the fertilizers used in agricultural processes, one of the activities of man that most damages the environment through the methods he uses.
Nitrous oxide
It is emitted by vehicles when operating. It is one of the greenhouse gases with the greatest effect in the atmosphere, so it is vital to regulate its emission to the maximum.
Hydrofluorocarbon, perfluorocarbon and sulfur hexafluorocarbon
Other polluting gases that the Kyoto treaty aims to reduce. They are present in many industrial processes.
You can expand this information with this other post on What gases produce the greenhouse effect and where they come from. We also recommend that you learn more about the environmental problem that you want to stop or solve with the Kyoto Protocol, sometimes also known as Kyoto treaty Although it is not the most correct, with these other Green Ecologist articles on:
- Greenhouse effect: causes, consequences and solutions.
- Causes and consequences of climate change.
- Greenhouse effect and climate change: differences.
Kyoto Protocol: signatory countries
There were many countries that signed the Kyoto Protocol the same year it was done, but others were left pending ratification and others were left out.
Thus, this protocol faced, from its inception, a series of disagreements that have had an impact on its effectiveness. At first, it was ratified by 156 countries, but after it was rejected by the most polluting countries of the world: United States and Australia. Even not so industrialized, developing countries signed an agreement, as is the case of El Salvador. They do not have to meet a specific objective, but they do have to commit to a certain control and measurement of their emission levels.
Since its first signature, in 1997, its entry into force was complicated. Great fault of it had U.S, a highly polluting country, as much as more than 30% on a world scale, which at first supported the treaty, but later its president George W. Bush rejected it, giving priority to the competitiveness of companies to the detriment of ecology. Other polluting countries did the same in the beginning, such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Russia was not very clear on it either, although it finally stamped its signature.
However, in 2002, it was also ratified by Japan, Canada, New Zealand, China, India and Brazil (the latter two, being developing countries, do not have precise emission limits). In 2004, the Kyoto pledge was given green thanks to Russia's signature. In addition, it is necessary to indicate that Canada ratified in 2002, but abandoned the protocol in 2011.
Thus, the February 16, 2005 It was an important day for ecology, as the pact was ratified by 141 countries, although the great American country was not among these firms. To date, the nations that follow the treaty emit a total of 62% of the total gases on the planet.
In summary, some of the countries that signed the Kyoto Protocol and that are more relevant are:
- Germany
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- France
- Belgium
- Finland
- Denmark
- Austria
- Italy
- Greece
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Sweden
- Portugal
- Argentina
- Australia
- Old and bearded
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- chili
- Mexico
- China
Individual requirements to the countries of the Kyoto Protocol
To the member countries of the European Union a 8% reduction. However, today it will not be able to fully meet its objectives by more than 6%, according to estimates by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The problem is that between 1990 and 1996 the European Union only reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by 1%, a number much lower than what was intended.
The situation in Spain is even more complicated. Nowadays, Spain exceeds emissions by 40% produced 15 years ago and the Ministry of the Environment itself has already warned of the harmful consequences that climate change will have on the Iberian Peninsula.
There is still much to do and the Kyoto Protocol is not the perfect solution, especially since many polluting countries have not yet given the green light to the proposal to comply with it. However, it is a tool that was born in response to climate change and governments are expected to commit more to this and other measures in favor of ecology and sustainability.
If you have been interested in knowing what is the Kyoto or Kyoto Protocol and what does it consist ofYou may also want to know what carbon credits are and how they work, which are contemplated in this protocol.
If you want to read more articles similar to Kyoto Protocol: what is it and what does it consist of?We recommend that you enter our Climate Change category.
