Key elements of the Kyoto Protocol text
Article 6: Joint implementation among Annex I Parties, based on projects. Emission reductions achieved through individual projects in Annex I countries can be credited towards achieving commitments under Article 3, if they can be demonstrated to reduce emissions beyond what would have occurred otherwise. Companies (legal entities) are allowed to undertake such activities. Such joint implementation projects are to be supplemental to domestic actions for the purpose of meeting commitments under Article 3.
Article 10: Advancing commitments of all Parties. All Parties, taking into account their common but differentiated responsibilities, shall formulate, implement, publish and update programmes including measures to mitigate, and adapt to, climate change, covering energy, industry and transport sectors. Parties should also develop and promote modalities for the transfer of environmentally sound technologies.
Article 11: Financial resources. Annex II Parties (most OECD countries) shall provide financial resources needed by developing country Parties for full incremental costs of Article 10 commitments.
Article 12: Clean development mechanism. A Clean Development Mechanism is established to assist non-Annex I Parties in achieving sustainable development. Certified emission reductions achieved through individual projects which reduce GHG emissions beyond what would have occurred in the absence of that project, can be used by Annex I Parties to help meet part of their commitments in Article 3. Certified emission reductions achieved between 2000 and 2008 can be credited against commitments under the first commitment period (2008-2012). A share of the proceeds from certified project activities is to be used to assist developing countries vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change to meet the costs of adaptation.
Article 17: Emissions trading among Annex B Parties. Parties included in Annex B to the Protocol may participate in emissions trading. Any such trading shall be supplemental to domestic actions to achieve commitments under Article 3. The Conference of the Parties shall define the relevant principles, modalities, rules and guidelines, in particular for verification, reporting and accountability.
On the Web
The full text of the Kyoto Protocol can be downloaded from the site of the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.