Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement created under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Kyoto, Japan in 1997.
On 3 December 2007, the former Australian Prime Minister, the Hon Kevin Rudd, signed the instrument of ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. Australia's ratification came into effect on 11 March 2008.
The Kyoto Protocol aims to reduce the collective greenhouse gas emissions of developed country Parties by at least 5 per cent below 1990 levels during 2008 to 2012 – referred to as the first commitment period.
Australia is committed to taking strong action on climate change and we are playing our part in the global effort to achieve an ambitious international outcome. The Australian Government has a three-pillar approach to tackling climate change.