Kyoto Protocol Day is celebrated on February 16 as on this day governments around the world reaffirm their commitment to reducing environmental pollution within their respective industries and commercial activities. Developed as well as developing countries revisit their progress and common people hold their respective governments to account. The overall purpose of this day is to make consistent progress towards building a sustainable and healthy environment for all communities inhabiting this planet.
History of Kyoto Protocol Day
The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement that was created to minimize the emission of toxic pollutants, including greenhouse gases, that affect climate change. The Kyoto Protocol has been accepted by more than 190 countries including the European Union (E.U.). Initially, the U.S. and Canada were also a part of the Kyoto Protocol, but both countries left it in 2001 and 2011 respectively.
Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, perfluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride cause an increase in the normal global temperature, which leads to global warming. Before the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol, another environmental treaty, the U.N.F.C.C.C. (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) was formed in 1992. And in 1997, the Kyoto Protocol was finally approved.
The treaty was initially signed by 55 countries and was practically implemented in 2008. More than 30 industrialized countries agreed to bring down their respective greenhouse gas emissions up to 5% below their 1990 baseline levels. The agreement was primarily intended for developing nations and a large number of developing countries were not included in the treaty.
At the 18th annual session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) held in Doha, Qatar, it was mutually decided by all member countries to renew the Kyoto Protocol as it was set to expire in 2012. The Kyoto Protocol was extended to 2020 and a similar agreement to control carbon emissions was initiated by the member countries. The agreement was set to launch in 2015 and implemented after the expiration of the Kyoto Protocol in 2020.
Kyoto Protocol Day timeline
More than 178 countries adopt the Kyoto Protocol.
Environment ministers accept the rules of the protocol.
The Russian parliament votes to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.
The Kyoto Protocol becomes international law.
Kyoto Protocol Day FAQs
What is the main purpose of the Kyoto Protocol?
The main purpose of the Kyoto Protocol is to control global warming by making industrialized countries limit their carbon dioxide emissions.
What is meant by the Kyoto Protocol?
The Kyoto Protocol is an international environmental treaty that was formed in 1997 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and control global warming.
What year will the Kyoto Protocol expire?
The Kyoto Protocol was set to expire in December 2012 but its expiration date was extended to 2020 at the 18th annual session of the Conference of the Parties (COP).
How to Observe Kyoto Protocol Day
Organize a recycling drive in your community
Recycling helps to control greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing energy consumption. When we use recycled materials to produce new products, raw material is consumed in fewer quantities. This helps to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, which take place through the extraction or mining of virgin materials. Glass, metals, paper, and plastics can all be treated and reused, so it is important to collect these things to be recycled.
Save wildlife
Drought, storms and rising sea levels destroy animals' special habitats so that they no longer have food or places to live. Climate change and pollution have reduced the number of Chinese alligators to less than 100 in the wild. Similarly, the red wolf has become extinct in the wild. Become a member of an organization such as the W.W.F., which is committed to protecting endangered species and learning ways on how to prevent these wild animals from becoming extinct.
Plant trees in your neighborhood
Planting trees has numerous environmental benefits. They help to reduce the harmful effects of climate change by releasing oxygen and controlling carbon dioxide emissions. You can organize a plantation drive and plant trees in your neighborhood. You can also start a similar plantation drive in your school or workplace.
5 Interesting Facts About Climate Change
Extinction crisis
The Golden Toad was one of the first species to disappear due to climate change.
Vector-borne diseases
Climate change accelerates the spread of diseases such as dengue and malaria.
Tropical deforestation
Deforestation contributes to 20% of greenhouse gas emissions every year.
Road-vehicle emissions
Automobiles on the road contribute to 20% of CO2 emissions in the U.S.
Natural hazards
Hydrological events increased four times more between 1980 and 2010.
Why Kyoto Protocol Day is Important
It highlights the harmful effects of air pollution
Global warming is caused when gases in the air such as carbon dioxide trap the sun's heat and increase the global average temperature. Cars and power stations produce many of the gases that are causing the earth to become much warmer. Kyoto Protocol Day is an event that also creates awareness about controlling air pollution caused by automobiles.
It encourages industries to reduce toxic pollution
Humans have polluted the planet with smoke and garbage. As a result of population growth and industrialization, pollution has now become a major problem. The ozone layer that protects us from U.V. radiation from the sun is being destroyed by chemicals called C.F.Cs. Kyoto Protocol Day, therefore, plays a pivotal role in encouraging industrialized countries to minimize their emission of toxic pollutants.
It highlights the environmental effects of deforestation
Forest trees play a vital role in absorbing CO2 and controlling greenhouse gas emissions. Tropical rainforests are being destroyed at the rate of 24 square km every hour. It is estimated that by the end of the year 2050, they will have disappeared. Kyoto Protocol Day, therefore, helps to highlight the issue of deforestation and its direct impact on global warming.
Kyoto Protocol Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 16 | Sunday |
| 2026 | February 16 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 16 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | February 16 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | February 16 | Friday |
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