February 16

The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in December 1997 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, required ratification by at least 55 parties accounting for 55% of 1990 emissions to become legally binding. Russia’s approval in late 2004 fulfilled these conditions, and the treaty entered into force on February 16, 2005. The agreement set specific emission reduction targets for developed countries over its first commitment period from 2008 to 2012. It introduced market-based mechanisms such as emissions trading, the Clean Development Mechanism, and Joint Implementation to encourage compliance. While hailed as a milestone in international climate diplomacy, the Protocol faced criticism for not including major developing emitters like China and India. Its implementation laid the groundwork for subsequent climate negotiations, including the Paris Agreement. The entry into force underscored growing global recognition of the need for coordinated action against climate change.