Union Cabinet on 24
th Jan 2017 approves the ratification of the second commitment period of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol for 2013-2020.
This protocol contains emission of GHGs. The Kyoto Protocol became operational in 2005.
As per the protocol, only developed nations are mandatorily required to undertake mitigation (emission cuts) targets.
They also have to provide financial resources and transfer of technology to the developing nations.
The first commitment period of the KP was 2005-12.
Its second commitment period was adopted in 2012.
Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by India will encourage other developing countries also to undertake this exercise.
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects under the KP's second commitment period will attract some investments in India as well.
The KP was adopted in 1997.
It recognised that the developed countries are principally responsible for the current high levels of Greenhouse Gas (GHGs).
Developing countries have no mandatory mitigation obligations or targets under the Kyoto Protocol.
In December, 2015, nations adopted another agreement in Paris which is meant for being operationalised post-2020 (end of the KP's second commitment period).
Paris Agreement mandates all countries to take action to minimise the impact of climate change.
This is as per their voluntary commitments and individual capacity.
For the period 2013-2020, the protocol was adopted in Doha in 2012.
India has always emphasized the importance of climate actions by developed country Parties in the pre-2020 period.
It has also upheld Equity and Common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR & RC)
Though amendment to its second commitment period (2013-2020) was adopted in 2012, only 75 countries have, so far, ratified it.
A total of 144 countries are required to ratify the amendment for bringing it into force.
Kyoto Protocol: Know More- Signed: 11 December 1997
- Location: Kyoto, Japan
- Effective: 16 February 2005
- Condition: Ratification by at least 55 States to the Convention
- Signatories: 83
- Parties: 192
