Eurecna

Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty on climate change, assigning mandatory emission limitations for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to the signatory nations.

Its objective is the stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.

Countries that ratify this protocol commit to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases, or engage in emissions trading if they maintain or increase emissions of these gases.

Implementation of the Kyoto Protocol is the driving policy framework for the EU. CO2 is by far the most important greenhouse gas in the EU, accounting for 82% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Of that, electricity and heat production comprises the largest source. Since 1990, C0₂ emissions in the EU have increased by 3.4% and from 2002-2003 by 1.8. This was mainly due to an increase in power production using coal.