• Adopted in Kyoto, Japan on 11th Dec 1997. Entered into force in 2005 Feb due to complex ratification process.
• It is what operationalizes the convention. It commits industrialized countries to keep check on emissions of GHG.
• Difference between convention and protocol is that convention encourages but the protocol commits them to do it.
• Kyoto Protocol applies to 6 greenhouse gases; carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride
• The protocol’s first commitment period started in 2008 and ended in 2012. 36 countries had participated in the first commitment period.
• Helps to achieve SDG
• Has flexible market mechanism, that encompasses Joint implementation, Clean Development Mechanism, Emission Trading.
• Non compliance leads to penalties.

Targets:

1. Binding emission reduction targets for industrialized, developed countries as they are largely responsible for the current high levels of GHG’s.
2. Stresses on principle of common but differentiated responsibility.

Bali Action Plan:

• Held 2007
• To discuss what happens after 2012 when the First phase of Kyoto Protocol ends.