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Earth Summit > Background
> Kyoto Protocol
Kyoto Protocol
Governments worldwide agreed
in 1992 to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases (the gases
that cause global warming) and prevent dangerous climate
change.
Talks stemming from the UN Climate Convention led
to the development of the Kyoto Protocol, which was agreed in 1997
and named after the Japanese city of Kyoto where it was developed.
This global treaty sets targets for developed countries
to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. These targets are legally
binding once countries agree to ratify (make legal) the treaty.
Scientists warn that the world's emissions need
to be cut by 60-80 percent of 1990 levels to stop dangerous climate
change.
However, the first phase of the Kyoto Protocol
asks nations to cut their emissions by only 5.2 percent below 1990
levels by 2012.
While further cuts will have to be negotiated later,
this landmark agreement is a crucial first step in international
action to tackle climate change.
Take Action:
- Urge world leaders to kick-start
the renewable energy revolution. Sign
up to the petition.
More information:
- See how climate change effected the most recent
Winter Olympics in the US.
- Visit the Choose
Positive Energy website to learn more about the project between
Greenpeace and The Body Shop to provide clean energy to the world.
- Visit the Greenpeace
climate website to learn more about climate change and Greenpeace
related activities around the world.
- Download the Clean
Energy for Sustainable Development report.
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