The (UNFCCC) Convention and the (Kyoto) Protocol

Reposted from: http://unfccc.int/essential_background/items/2877.php

The Convention and the Protocol

Over a decade ago, most countries joined an international treaty -- the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) -- to begin to consider what can be done to reduce global warming and to cope with whatever temperature increases are inevitable. More recently, a number of nations approved an addition to the treaty: the Kyoto Protocol, which has more powerful (and legally binding) measures. The UNFCCC secretariat supports all institutions involved in the climate change process, particularly the COP, the subsidiary bodies and their Bureau.

Kyoto Protocol -- What it means

The Kyoto Protocol, an international and legally binding agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, entered into force on 16 February 2005.

• Learn about Kyoto
• Text of the Kyoto Protocol
• Status of ratification
• Kyoto mechanisms
• Registered Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects
• Issues arising from Kyoto's entry into force
• Kyoto Protocol reports and due dates (467 kB)