Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework
 Convention on Climate Change
 (Kyoto, 11 December 1997)

Objectives

        The Kyoto Protocol has the same ultimate objective as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which is the stabilization of atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.  Such a level should be achieved within a time frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner. 
        At the first United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Berlin in 1995, the Contracting Parties reviewed the commitments by the developed countries under the Convention and decided that the commitment to aim at returning their emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000 was inadequate for achieving the Convention’s long-term objective. The Conference adopted the Berlin Mandate and launched a new round of negotiations on strengthening the commitments of the Contracting Parties from developed countries. At the third Conference of the Parties in Kyoto in 1997, the Parties adopted the Kyoto Protocol.


KEY PROVISIONS 

        In accordance with the Kyoto Protocol, Contracting Parties from developed countries are committed to reducing their combined greenhouse gas emissions by at least 5 per cent from 1990 levels by the period 2008-2012. The targets cover the six main greenhouse gases, namely, carbon dioxide (CO²), methane (CH⁴), nitrous oxide (N²O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF⁶), along with some activities in the land-use change and forestry sector that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (carbon “sinks”).  Each Contracting Party from developed countries is required to have made demonstrable progress  in  implementing  its  emission  reduction  commitments  by 2005. Implementation of the legally binding Protocol commitments promises to produce an historic reversal of the upward trend in emissions from developed countries. 
        The Kyoto Protocol also establishes three innovative mechanisms, known as joint implementation, emissions trading and the clean development mechanism, which are designed to help Contracting Parties included in Annex I of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to reduce the costs of meeting their emission targets.  The clean development mechanism also aims to promote sustainable development in developing countries. The operational details of these mechanisms are now being fleshed out by the Contracting Parties.   
        The procedure for the communication and review of information is established in the Kyoto Protocol.  Contracting Parties from developed countries are required to incorporate in their national communications the supplementary information necessary to demonstrate compliance with their commitments under the Protocol in accordance with guidelines to be developed.  The information submitted shall be reviewed by expert review teams, pursuant to guidelines established by the Conference of the Parties, which is the supreme body that shall regularly review and promote effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. 
        The Protocol provides that the Contracting Parties shall periodically review the Protocol in the light of the best available scientific information and assessment on climate change and its impacts.  The first review will take place at the second session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol.  Further reviews shall take place at regular intervals and in a timely manner.  A framework for a compliance system is required to be developed under the Protocol.  


ENTRY INTO FORCE 

        The Protocol is not yet in force. It shall enter into force 90 days after at least 55 Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1992, have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. Moreover, these 55 Parties shall incorporate Parties included in Annex I which accounted in total for at least 55 per cent of the total carbon dioxide emissions of the Parties included in Annex I for 1990.  


How to Become a Party 

        The Protocol is closed for signature. It remains open for ratification, acceptance, approval and accession by any State or any regional economic integration organization which is Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1992.  


OPTIONAL OR/AND MANDATORY DECLARATIONS


        A regional economic integration organization shall declare the extent of its competence with respect to matters governed by the Protocol.  


Reservations 

        No reservations may be made to the Protocol.  


Withdrawal/DENUNCIATION 

        At any time after three years from the date on which the Protocol has entered into force for a Party, that Party may withdraw from the Protocol by giving written notification to the depositary. 
        Any such withdrawal shall take effect upon expiry of one year from the date of receipt by the depositary of the notification of withdrawal, or on such later date as may be specified in the notification of withdrawal. Any Party that withdraws from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1992, shall be considered as also having withdrawn from the Protocol.


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