Kyoto Protocol Success or Fail? Flashcards
What were some key aspects of the Kyoto Protocol (1997)?
The Kyoto Protocol was the first-ever international commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It focused on temperature limits and set a long-term goal of keeping global warming within 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an effort to pursue 1.5 degrees Celsius. It involved 37 “Annex I” countries (ACs) that committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by a set percentage by the end of 2012. The average target for these countries was a reduction of 4.2%.
What were some successes of the Kyoto Protocol (1997)?
Between 1990 and 2012, the Annex I countries reduced their CO2 emissions by 12.5%, which surpassed the target reduction of 4.7% for 2012. For example, the UK had a target reduction of 13% and achieved a reduction of 23%. Additionally, the Kyoto Protocol established a finance mechanism to help low-income developing countries (LIDCs) cope with climate change, with a commitment of $100 billion per year in climate finance. Countries also agreed to reach peak greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible, and the nationally determined contributions put pressure on each country to commit to climate action.
What were some failures of the Kyoto Protocol (1997)?
One of the failures of the Kyoto Protocol was that much of the decrease in emissions came from the economic collapse of the Soviet Union rather than from efforts by other countries. The protocol was not signed by the United States, and many countries did not meet their emissions reduction targets. Canada also withdrew from the protocol in 2011. The Kyoto Protocol lacked a legally binding mechanism to force countries to meet their targets, relying on a “name and shame” policy instead. There was an argument against including legal guarantees, as it was believed that such guarantees would reduce the number of countries signing up. Furthermore, the protocol did not include commitments from emerging developing countries (EDCs) and exempted LIDCs.
What were some key aspects of the Paris Agreement (2015)?
The Paris Agreement was the first-ever commitment that focused on temperature limits and aimed to address climate change. It set a long-term temperature goal of keeping global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an effort to pursue limiting the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement had 195 signatories, including both developed and developing countries. One key aspect of the Paris Agreement was the agreement on a finance mechanism to help LIDCs cope with climate change, with a commitment to provide $100 billion per year in climate finance.
What were some challenges and criticisms of the Paris Agreement (2015)?
The Paris Agreement faced challenges and criticisms. It lacked a legally binding mechanism to force countries to meet their targets, relying on voluntary commitments. Independent sources suggested that if the commitments given at Paris were the only action taken, there would likely be a 3.2-degree Celsius rise in temperature by 2100, according to a UNEP report. The United States flip-flopped in and out of the agreement, with President Trump famously calling for “Pittsburgh over Paris” when arguing for more coal production. President Biden signed for re-entry into the agreement on his first day in office. The promised $100 billion per year in climate finance has not yet materialized, with the most generous estimate of current funding being $80 billion. There was also an argument that many Annex I countries only reached their targets due to the 2008 financial crash and by offshoring emissions due to the decline in manufacturing experienced.
