Kyoto Protocol Gets Extension

On 11 December 2011 the delegates of the Durban Climate Conference (COP17/CMP7) have extended Kyoto Protocol and established a road map to a new global binding agreement to tackle the emission of greenhouse gases.

It was agreed that the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol shall begin on 1 January 2013 and end either on 31 December 2017 or 31 December 2020. Decision on this shall be made by the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol at its 17th session. The states that agreed for extension of Kyoto Protocol also set clear targets of emission reductions below 1990 levels by 2020. The aim for aggregate reduction of the greenhouse gases by Annex I Parties is set at least 25 - 40 % below 1990 levels by 2020. Ukraine committed itself to 20% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2020.