# Chapter 1

# Earth's Future Built on the Kyoto Protocol

## Summary of Chapter 1>

The Kyoto Protocol entered into force in February 2005. Developed countries and countries with economies in transition that have committed to curbing greenhouse gas emissions are legally bound to meet their quantified emission limitation or reduction commitments. The Kyoto Protocol is only a first step taken by mankind on a long road to stabilizing the concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases. Steady efforts to meet the commitments of the Kyoto Protocol are essential in the building of a low carbon society.

## Section 1 Kyoto Protocol Set in Motion

### 1. Kyoto Protocol's Entry into Force

The Kyoto Protocol was adopted unanimously at the 3rd Conference of the Parties (COP3) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (hereinafter referred to as “Convention” in this Chapter) held in Kyoto in December 1997, with Japan as the host country. In February 2005, the Kyoto Protocol entered into force.

The Kyoto Protocol is a groundbreaking achievement in that it successfully committed, for the first time ever, developed countries and countries with economies in transition (Annex I Parties) to specific quantified targets to limit or reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Protocol’s commitments are based on the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities” and on the idea that “the developed country Parties should take the lead in combating climate change,” as stipulated by the Convention.

H.E. Ms. Wangari Maathai, Kenyan Deputy Environment Minister, presenting a keynote speech at the Commemorative Event to Mark the Entry into Force of the Kyoto Protocol

Outline of Kyoto Protocol

Targeted gases	CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, SF6
Sinks	Amount of CO2 absorbed by forests and other sinks is calculated.
Base year	1990 (For HFCs, PFCs, SF6, base year can be 1995.)
Commitment period	5 years between 2008 and 2012
Targets	An aggregated reduction of at least 5% by developed countries: Japan -6%, United States -7%, and EU -8%
Kyoto Mechanisms	Systems to achieve emission targets in a cost-effective manner through international cooperation• Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) A developed country implements projects in a developing country and earns abatement credits for use against its own GHG emissions.• Joint Implementation (JI) Developed countries jointly implement projects and share earned abatement credits for use against their own GHG emissions.• Emissions Trading A developed country that has achieved emission reductions transfers (trades) the excess to other developed countries.
Obligation of the Parties	Obligations for All Parties ○ Create, report, and update inventory of GHG emissions and removals ○ Formulate, implement and publish national programmes, including mitigation and adaptation measures, etc.Obligations for Annex I Parties ○ Achieve quantified limitation or reduction targets ○ Develop national systems for estimating GHG emissions and removals by 2007 ○ Make voluntary financial contributions to the Adaptation Fund to support efforts in developing countries

Source: Ministry of the Environment