What was the goal of the Kyoto Protocol established in 1997?

The Kyoto Protocol was established with the primary goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale. Specifically, it set binding targets for developed countries to collectively reduce their emissions by 5.2% relative to 1990 levels over the commitment period from 2008 to 2012. This was a crucial milestone in international climate change negotiations, as it recognized the need for industrialized nations, which are historically the largest emitters, to take responsibility for their contributions to global warming.

By focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Kyoto Protocol aimed to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote environmental sustainability. While other aspects of environmental and developmental concerns are important, the protocol’s significant framework and commitments were centered on the reduction of emissions, making it clear that this was the critical goal of the agreement.