The Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement setting targets for industrialised countries to cut their greenhouse gas emissions. One hundred and forty countries signed the Kyoto Protocol and it went into action in February Industrialised countries have committed to cut their combined emissions to 5% below 1990 levels by 2008 – What is the Kyoto Protocol?

Countries who have signed up to the Kyoto Protocol are split into two groups: Annex I countries (industrialised countries) Annex II countries (developing countries) Annex I countries agree to reduce their emissions (particularly carbon dioxide) to target levels below their 1990 emissions levels. If they cannot do so, they must buy emission credits or invest in conservation. Annex II countries have no immediate restrictions under the Protocol. What is the Kyoto Protocol?

Some opponents of the Protocol argue that the split between Annex I and Annex II countries is unfair, and that both developing countries and developed countries need to reduce their emissions. Should there be a split in countries?

Each country that signed the Protocol agreed to its own specific target. European Union (EU) countries are expected to cut their present emissions by 8% and Japan by 5%. Some countries (e.g. Iceland) with low emissions were permitted to increase them. What is the Kyoto Protocol?

The USA (and Australia initially) refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol. Australia signed in November What is the Kyoto Protocol?

Why do you think the USA refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol? Discuss in pairs and bullet point your ideas in your exercise books. Be prepared to discuss with the class. ?

Why did the USA refuse to sign? The USA refused to sign because they worried the agreement would hurt businesses and ruin the U.S. Economy. Why would it hurt businesses and ruin the economy? In your books, write a sentence explaining why the USA refused to sign. ‘The USA refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol because…’

What is your opinion on the Kyoto Protocol?

In your books, answer the following questions...  What is the Kyoto Protocol?  How many countries signed up?  When was it first put into action?  In detail, explain the difference between Annex I and Annex II countries.  In your own words, explain why the Kyoto Protocol is important? (At least 2 sentences)  Does the protocol work? / is it working? What is the Kyoto Protocol?

Activity Two Read through the A3 sheet and highlight any important points. Answer questions 1a, 1b, 1c and 2.

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