Who Signed the Kyoto Agreement in 1997 over Carbon Emissions

The Kyoto Protocol, signed in 1997, was an international treaty aimed at reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change. The agreement was created under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and over 190 countries participated in the negotiations.

The Kyoto Protocol was a historic treaty, as it was the first time that industrialized nations agreed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The treaty required participating countries to reduce their carbon emissions to a certain level by a specific deadline.

So, who were the countries that signed the Kyoto Protocol in 1997?

Firstly, it is important to note that the Kyoto Protocol was a legally binding treaty that required ratification by participating countries. In order for a country to become a party to the Kyoto Protocol, it had to complete a ratification process and officially commit to meeting its emissions reduction targets.

In 1997, there were 192 parties to the UNFCCC, and 84 of these countries signed the Kyoto Protocol. Some of the notable countries that signed the treaty include:

1. United States: Despite being one of the world`s largest emitters of greenhouse gases, the US signed the Kyoto Protocol in 1997. However, the country did not ratify the treaty, citing concerns about the potential impact on the economy.

2. Japan: As a developed country, Japan was required to make significant reductions in its carbon emissions. However, the country struggled to meet its targets and ultimately withdrew from the treaty in 2012.

3. European Union (EU): The EU, as a bloc, signed the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and was required to reduce its emissions by 8% from 1990 levels. The EU managed to exceed its targets, reducing emissions by 22% by the end of the first commitment period in 2012.

4. Canada: Canada was also a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, committing to reducing its carbon emissions by 6% below 1990 levels by 2012. However, the country ultimately withdrew from the treaty in 2011.

5. China: As a developing country, China was not required to make any emissions reductions under the Kyoto Protocol. However, the country did sign the treaty and has since become the world`s largest emitter of greenhouse gases.

In conclusion, the Kyoto Protocol was a major international treaty aimed at reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. While over 190 countries participated in the negotiations, 84 countries ultimately signed the treaty, including the United States, Japan, the EU, Canada, and China. While the implementation of the treaty was not always successful, it represented an important step towards international cooperation on climate change.