What was the Kyoto Protocol and why was it created?
The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty that was adopted in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan. It was created in response to the growing concerns about climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate its impacts on the planet.
The main goal of the Kyoto Protocol was to establish legally binding commitments for developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels over a specified commitment period (2008-2012). This was seen as a critical step in addressing the global climate crisis and promoting sustainable development practices.
The Kyoto Protocol also introduced mechanisms for countries to collaborate on reducing emissions, such as emissions trading and clean development projects in developing countries. Although there were criticisms of the Kyoto Protocol and not all countries ratified the agreement, it was a significant milestone in international efforts to address climate change.