The Kyoto Protocol
Debate & Diplomacy: Successes, Failures, Consequences
The Project
The Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol was an extension of the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and one of the first attempts at a legally binding climate agreement. It set emission targets and term limits for developed countries. Although the protocol was signed by US Vice President Al Gore under the Clinton administration, the newly elected Bush administration did not ratify the agreement, removing the US from the framework. With major carbon emitters such as the US not signing the agreement and no real way to enforce it, the Kyoto Protocol was not successful, but it did pave the way for future climate policy.
The Theme
Debate & Diplomacy
The theme Debate and Diplomacy allowed us to really focus on the history of climate policy globally. Because international law is incredibly hard to enforce, especially in the context of carbon emissions, many binding climate agreements fail. The failure of the Kyoto Protocol showed the necessity for diplomacy and exposed the lack of incentives to reduce emissions and invest in sustainability. Many countries approach climate agreements with performative actions and much diplomacy is needed to create successful climate agreements.