Glossary | Climate Lexicon K

carbon-connect AG Climate Glossary with common technical terms, abbreviations and explanations on the topics of the environment, climate protection and CO2 compensation.

Kyoto Protocol (the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or UNFCCC)

The Kyoto Protocol set binding targets for emission of greenhouse gases in industrialized countries in 1997, and was ratified by 191 states and the European Union by 2011. It was the first time in history that such an agreement was made and ratified. The agreement stipulates an annual 5.2% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions for industrialized nations compared to 1990 (first commitment period: 2008-2012). The United States of America rejected the protocol, in December 2011 Canada announced its withdrawal, and thus cancelled its commitment. In the final version, the Kyoto Protocol (2002) provides several flexible mechanisms, including:

  • Emission Trading
  • Joint Implementation (JI)
  • Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)