Kyoto Protocol 1997

184 members - predominatly MEDC committed to reducing their emssions by 5% by 2012.USA refused to sign agreement.

MEDCs have a reponsibility to help LEDCs develop sustainablity.

LEDCs did not have to agree formally to any commitment.

Members had to act starting from 2005.

3 ways Kyoto works towards reducing emissions (Mechanisms)

1. Emissions Trading / Carbon Trading - MEDCs can buy some LEDC allowances of Carbon emissions quotas.

2. Clean Devlopment Mechanism - Investing in sustainable energy development projects that reduce emissions in developing countries.

3. Joint Implementation - MEDC work with LEDCs to reduce carbon emissions.

Governments are now putting in place legislations to achieve this.