Kyoto Protocol
The UNFCCC treaty imposed no mandatory limits on greenhouse gases. Instead, it called for updates (termed “protocols”) to set the restrictions. The first update was the Kyoto Protocol.
Recognizing that developed countries are principally responsible for the current high levels of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, the Kyoto protocol imposed targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European Union, called “Annex I” countries.
Under the Kyoto Protocol, Annex I countries commit to reducing their national emissions by an average of 5% of 1990 levels between 2008-2012 (called the “first commitment period”). Developing countries are not expected to reduce their emissions unless developed countries provide funding and technology. Brazil is in this group, as well as China, India, and Indonesia.
What do you think?
The Kyoto protocol became effective on 16 February 2005 and by 2009 had been ratified by 184 countries. Which major country or countries had NOT ratified the Protocol as of 2009? (Choose all that apply.)
The correct answer is c).
In 2009, the United States was the only industrialized country that had not ratified the Kyoto Protocol. The U.S. Senate refused to sign because the Protocol did not include binding emission reductions for developing countries such as China, which now emits more greenhouse gases than any other country.
