The Kyoto Protocol
was negotiated in Kyoto, Japan by more than
160 nations in December 1997. It
aims to reduce net emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon
dioxide.
The
US agreed to reduce its average emissions 7% from their 1990
levels during the period 2008-2012. Other developed countries agreed
to similar reductions. The way
the reductions were achieved was up to the individual countries. Developing
countries did not agree to meet any requirements.
It
incorporated some novel mechanisms for achieving greenhouse
gas reductions, including emissions trading, and joint
implementation. These flexible,
market-based mechanisms were included with the urging of the
US delegation.