Terminology
Kyoto Protocol
Kyoto Protocol
An internationally-negotiated addendum to the UNFCCC that translates its principles and undertakings into legally-binding commitments, including the emissions reduction commitments of Annex I/B countries.
The Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997 and came into force in 2005. It expires in 2012 and efforts to secure a successor agreement are underway.
Targets
Emissions reduction targets established by the Kyoto Protocol, whereby every Annex I/B country that has ratified the Protocol should reduce its national greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2 percent below the 1990 baseline level during the first commitment period.
First Commitment Period
Period from 2008 through 2012, during which Annex I/B countries must meet their Kyoto targets and demonstrate that they have done so.
Assigned Amount
Quantity of greenhouse gas emissions, expressed in tonnes of CO2e, that an Annex I/B country that has ratified the Kyoto Protocol will be permitted to release into the atmosphere over the period 2008-2012 in order to meet its emissions reduction target for 2012.