Explain Kyoto Protocol.

The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty adopted in 1997 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Its primary goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change. The protocol established legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries, known as Annex I Parties, for the period 2008-2012.

Key features of the Kyoto Protocol include:

1. Emission Reduction Targets: Annex I Parties committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels during the protocol's first commitment period (2008-2012). Each country had specific targets based on its historical emissions and economic capabilities.

2. Flexible Mechanisms: The protocol introduced three flexible mechanisms to help Annex I Parties meet their emission reduction targets more cost-effectively:

   • Emissions Trading: Countries could buy and sell emission allowances to each other.
   • Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): Annex I countries could invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries and receive credits (Certified Emission Reductions, or CERs) for the emissions avoided.
   • Joint Implementation (JI): Annex I countries could implement emission reduction projects in other Annex I countries and receive Emission Reduction Units (ERUs) for the emissions reduced.

3. Commitment Periods: The Kyoto Protocol initially had a commitment period from 2008 to 2012. However, it was extended until 2020 through the Doha Amendment, though many countries did not ratify this extension.

4. Compliance Mechanism: The protocol established a compliance system to monitor and enforce countries' compliance with their emission reduction commitments. This included reporting requirements, review processes, and consequences for non-compliance.

5. Adaptation Fund: The protocol established the Adaptation Fund to support developing countries in adapting to the impacts of climate change, particularly vulnerable communities and ecosystems.

6. Flexibility for Developing Countries: Developing countries, known as Non-Annex I Parties, were not subject to binding emission reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol but were encouraged to take voluntary actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Despite its significance as the first international agreement to address climate change, the Kyoto Protocol faced challenges, including limited participation from major emitters like the United States and Canada, which withdrew from the protocol. However, it laid the groundwork for subsequent climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement, by establishing mechanisms for international cooperation and emission reductions.