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What is the main issue that is addressed to by the Kyoto Protocol which came into force recently ?
Explanation
The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement that operationalizes the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by committing industrialized nations to limit and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions [1]. Adopted in 1997 and entering into force on February 16, 2005, the protocol set legally binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European Community to reduce their collective emissions of six major greenhouse gases—including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide—to an average of 5% below 1990 levels [3]. While the UNFCCC only encouraged emission stabilization, the Kyoto Protocol introduced mandatory quantitative commitments and market-based mechanisms like the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and International Emissions Trading to achieve these goals [4]. Its primary objective is to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system by curbing the global warming trend caused by rising GHG concentrations [5].
Sources
- [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > 24.2. KYOTO PROTOCOL: COp-3. > p. 324
- [2] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: World Climate and Climate Change > Greenhouse Gases(GHGs) > p. 96
- [3] Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Environment and Natural Resources > Common but Differentiated Responsibilities > p. 87
- [4] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > Amendment of the Kyoto Protocol > p. 329
- [5] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > 1997 > p. 322