The Kyoto Protocol enters into force

The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The major feature of the Kyoto Protocol is that it sets binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European Community for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The major distinction between the Protocol and the Convention is that while the Convention encouraged industrialised countries to stabilize GHG emissions, the Protocol commits them to do so. The commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012, when a new international framework needs to have been negotiated and ratified.

The Protocol requires 35 industrial nations to cut emissions 5% below 1990 levels by 2012.

Read more about the Protocol