In a recent study conducted by Studio For Pro, researchers have analyzed and compared the key differences between the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol. This groundbreaking analysis sheds light on the various aspects of these international climate change agreements.
The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, the Kyoto Protocol, which was adopted in 1997, sets binding emission reduction targets for developed countries.
One of the major differences highlighted in the study is the level of participation and commitment. The Paris Agreement is more inclusive, with 196 parties participating and submitting their own nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to tackle climate change. In contrast, the Kyoto Protocol only required developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Another key distinction is the flexibility in meeting the targets. The Paris Agreement allows countries to set their own targets and choose the methods of achieving them, giving them more freedom and flexibility. The Kyoto Protocol, however, imposed specific emission reduction targets on developed countries that had to be met within a defined time frame.
The study also focused on the effectiveness and enforcement mechanisms of these agreements. While the Kyoto Protocol had legally binding targets and penalties for non-compliance, it faced challenges in implementation and lacked the participation of major emitters such as the United States. In contrast, the Paris Agreement relies on voluntary commitments and transparency mechanisms, which some argue may result in weaker enforcement.
The comparison between the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol provides valuable insights into the evolution and effectiveness of international climate change agreements. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of these agreements, policymakers and stakeholders can work towards more effective and inclusive measures to address the urgent issue of climate change.
To learn more about the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol, you can refer to the original study published by Studio For Pro.