1. Kyoto Protocol

2. An agreement made under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) An agreement made under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) The countries that ratify this protocol want to reduce the emissions of CO 2, and other greenhouse gases that cause climate change The countries that ratify this protocol want to reduce the emissions of CO 2, and other greenhouse gases that cause climate change

3. When and where was it established? The protocol was agreed upon on December 11 th, 1997 The protocol was agreed upon on December 11 th, 1997 It came into effect on February 16 th, 2005 It came into effect on February 16 th, 2005 Renewal of the protocol is in 2012 Renewal of the protocol is in 2012

5. Who is involved in it? As of November 2007, 174 parties have ratified this protocol As of November 2007, 174 parties have ratified this protocol The U.S. did not ratified the protocol. The U.S. did not ratified the protocol.

7. Who are the Parties? The parties are broken up into two groups: The parties are broken up into two groups: – Annex I countries – Non-annex I countries Annex I countries have accepted the responsibilities to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. Annex I countries have accepted the responsibilities to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. Non-annex I countries do not need to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, but they participate in the Clean Development Mechanism. Non-annex I countries do not need to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, but they participate in the Clean Development Mechanism.

8. What exactly does this protocol do? Annex I countries are required to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 5% below 1990 levels. Annex I countries are required to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 5% below 1990 levels. EU member states are required to lower greenhouse gas emissions, by 8%. EU member states are required to lower greenhouse gas emissions, by 8%. The levels of greenhouse gas emission must be lowered during the years of 2008-2012. The levels of greenhouse gas emission must be lowered during the years of 2008-2012. November 2012 Renewal Meeting in Doha, Qatar. November 2012 Renewal Meeting in Doha, Qatar.

10. Kyoto Protocol Website Emissions Map Emissions Map Emissions Map Emissions Map United Nations Framework Commission on Climate Change

11. What if countries do NOT lower emissions? There is a penalty for not lowering levels of gas emission. Countries involved AGREED to lower their levels. There is a penalty for not lowering levels of gas emission. Countries involved AGREED to lower their levels. If countries fail to lower their greenhouse gas emission rates, they have to give up 1.3 emission allowances in a second commitment period for every ton of greenhouse gas emissions they exceed over their 1990 levels. If countries fail to lower their greenhouse gas emission rates, they have to give up 1.3 emission allowances in a second commitment period for every ton of greenhouse gas emissions they exceed over their 1990 levels.