The ‘55 Parties’ Clause of the Kyoto Protocol: Iceland’s Ratification on May 23, 2002

On May 23, 2002, Iceland ratified the Kyoto Protocol, marking a pivotal moment in international climate change efforts. This ratification was crucial because it fulfilled the ‘55 parties’ clause, a significant milestone in the protocol’s journey towards implementation.

Background of the Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol, adopted on December 11, 1997, in Kyoto, Japan, is an international treaty that commits its parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the premise that global warming exists and human-made CO2 emissions have caused it. The protocol is linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and represents a significant step in global efforts to combat climate change.

The ‘55 Parties’ Clause

For the Kyoto Protocol to enter into force, it required ratification by at least 55 parties to the UNFCCC, accounting for at least 55% of the total carbon dioxide emissions for 1990 of the industrialized countries. This dual requirement ensured that the protocol had broad international support and that the major emitters were committed to its goals.

Iceland’s Role

Iceland’s ratification on May 23, 2002, was instrumental in meeting the ‘55 parties’ requirement. By this date, 55 countries had ratified the protocol, allowing it to move forward towards implementation. Although Iceland’s emissions were relatively small compared to other industrialized nations, its ratification symbolized the growing international consensus on the need for collective action against climate change.

Aftermath and Significance

Following Iceland’s ratification, the Kyoto Protocol officially entered into force on February 16, 2005, after Russia’s ratification in 2004 satisfied the second requirement of the emissions threshold. The protocol set binding emission reduction targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community, marking the first time that nations committed to legally binding limits on emissions.

The Kyoto Protocol laid the groundwork for future international climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement of 2015. It highlighted the importance of global cooperation in addressing environmental challenges and set a precedent for future climate negotiations.

Conclusion

Iceland’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol on May 23, 2002, was a critical step in the international community’s efforts to combat climate change. By fulfilling the ‘55 parties’ clause, it enabled the protocol to move towards implementation, underscoring the importance of collective action in addressing global environmental issues.