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Paris Agreement And Kyoto Protocol - Differences And Similarities
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The difference between the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol is that the Paris Agreement signed during CoP-21 in 2015 is not legally obligatory, while the Kyoto Protocol signed during COP-3 in 1997 is a legal obligation for the signing parties.
This topic is significant for the UPSC Prelims and GS Paper 3 of the UPSC Mains curriculum. In this article, we will provide you with all features and necessary information on the Difference Between Paris Agreement And Kyoto Protocol. Also, learn other major topics of Environment for the UPSC Exams.
Differences between Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol
Following table details the differences between the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement on multiple criteria.
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Comparative Analysis of Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol |
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Point of Difference |
Paris Agreement |
Kyoto Protocol |
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Year of Agreement |
Paris Agreement (2015) |
Kyoto Protocol (1997) |
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Adoption of Agreement |
The Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015 during the 21st Conference of Parties (COP) in Paris, France. |
The Kyoto Protocol was approved at the third Conference of Parties (COP) in Japan in 1997. |
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Objective |
The Paris accord is primarily concerned with human greenhouse gases in general. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global average temperature rise to less than 2 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels. |
The Kyoto Protocol aims to reduce emissions of six key greenhouse gases. Its objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% below pre-1990 levels. |
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Targeted Countries |
All countries, especially developing ones, are required under the Paris Agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions. |
The Kyoto Protocol was only for industrialized countries. |
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Nature of the Document |
The Paris Agreement document is a historic environmental agreement whose concept was agreed by practically every nation to deal with climate change and its consequences. |
Kyoto protocol document operationalizes the UNFCCC by requiring developed countries to reduce and limit greenhouse gas emissions as per the agreed terms. |
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Time Frame |
The Paris agreement timescale varies, but most nations expect to meet their targets by 2025-2030. |
The initial phase of the Kyoto Protocol concluded in 2012. |
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Signatories |
The Paris Agreement has been approved or acceded to by 197 countries, who have pledged to implement its terms by national measures or other methods. |
The Kyoto Protocol has 192 signatories who have pledged to implement its requirements through national legislation. |
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Remarks |
The Paris agreement arose from a perceived need for a convention requiring all governments, even significant polluters not covered by prior climate-related treaties, to commit to decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. |
The Kyoto Protocol was largely aimed at developed countries, who were thought to be the principal emitters of greenhouse gases. The Kyoto Protocol did not apply to countries deemed to be developing at the time. |
What is Paris Agreement?
The Paris Agreement is an international climate change treaty adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It sets out a global framework to address climate change by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the impacts of climate change, and providing support to developing countries. The Paris Agreement has been widely ratified, with nearly all countries becoming parties. It represents a global commitment to combatting climate change and provides a framework for international cooperation and action to achieve a sustainable, low-carbon future.
What is Kyoto Protocol?
The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement adopted in 1997 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It is a legally binding treaty addressing global climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Kyoto Protocol comprises commitment periods when countries have specific emission reduction targets. The Kyoto Protocol sets binding emission reduction targets for developed countries, known as Annex I Parties.
The Kyoto Protocol recognizes the need for adaptation to the impacts of climate change and establishes funds and mechanisms to support developing countries in implementing adaptation projects and building resilience. The Kyoto Protocol introduced three market-based mechanisms to help countries achieve their emission reduction targets more cost-effectively. It establishes a compliance system to ensure participating countries meet their emission reduction targets.
Also, learn about Carbon Pricing here!
Similarities Between Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement
- The Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol are international treaties whose purpose is to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
- They are international treaties that deal with Global warming and Climate Change and its implications.
- Both involved more than a hundred nations.
Difference Between Paris Agreement And Kyoto Protocol-Download PDF Here!
Conclusion
The Kyoto Protocol, and later the Paris Agreement, are international treaties designed to unite nations in the battle against rising global temperatures. Both agreements have resulted in lower emissions. Both accords are similar in that they are international agreements addressing climate change. The Kyoto Protocol only applied to industrialised or developed countries, but the Paris Agreement was equally obligatory on underdeveloped countries. Furthermore, the Kyoto Protocol concentrated on lowering particular gas emissions. Still, the Paris Agreement limits global average temperature rise due to greenhouse gas emissions without focusing on individual greenhouse gases. The road ahead appears to be difficult. Each voice, however, may make a difference by uniting the climate movement and putting pressure on political institutions to implement steps to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
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Difference Between Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol FAQs
Is the Paris Agreement intended to replace the Kyoto Protocol?
Yes, the Paris Agreement aimed to improve upon and eventually replace the Kyoto Protocol.
What is the primary distinction between the UN Convention and the Kyoto Protocol?
The primary distinction between the UN Convention and the Kyoto Protocol is that, the Convention urged developed countries to reduce GHG emissions. while the Protocol binds them to doing so.
What are the essential elements of the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement?
The Paris Agreement establishes a worldwide framework for preventing catastrophic climate change. It seeks to keep global temperatures well below 2°C.In addition, attempts are being made to keep it below 1.5°C, while the Kyoto Protocol puts the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change into action.
What is the Kyoto Protocol's main goal?
The main goal of the Kyoto Protocol is to maintain greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will shield the climate system from harmful anthropogenic effects.
What issues are addressed by both the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement?
While the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement work to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is still rising and the Earth is warming up alarmingly.