Climate: Kyoto Protocol

Question 1

When was the protocol created?

Answer 1

1997

Question 2

When was it implemented?

Answer 2

2005

Question 3

Where was the protocol held?

Answer 3

An international and intergovernmental meeting in Kyoto, Japan

Question 4

How many countries were involved?

Answer 4

183

Question 5

What was the agreement that they signed?

Answer 5

They signed up to an agreement which involved stabilizing GHG emissions at safe levels that would avoid serious climate change.

Question 6

What was the aim?

Answer 6

Aimed to cut GHG emissions by 5% of their 1990 levels by 2012.

Question 7

What sort of targets were set for each country?

Answer 7

There were individual targets for each country with a final deadline of 2012.

Question 8

What are the pros of the protocol?

Answer 8

• set targets to reduce GHGs that cause global warming and climate change.
• nations can use ‘cap and trade’ Cap limits placed on GHG emissions on each country. Trade allows countries to buy or sell their emission allowances.

Question 9

What are the cons of the protocol?

Answer 9

• goals set for 2012 were not met.
• not all countries have ratified any of the protocols so don’t need to cut emissions. (e.g. USA). Some countries pulled out e.g. Canada.
• Developing countries are exempt from the protocol. e.g. China and India which produce a lot of GHG emissions.
• US never signed it.
• Relies on carbon trading. Prone to corruption.