More about the Kyoto Protocol

Under the Kyoto Protocol international treaty, developed countries must take domestic action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Protocol recognises that developed countries must take the lead in international action, because they are responsible for most of the world's past emissions. Each developed country's target was negotiated and agreed internationally.

Australia has committed to ensuring its greenhouse emissions over 2008 to 2012 are no more than 8 per cent above 1990 levels. This was an important first step in bringing emissions under control, and links Australia into the main international discussion on future international approaches.

Under the Kyoto Protocol, most other industrialised countries have committed to reducing their emissions compared with 1990 totals. The European Union, for example, has agreed to an 8 per cent reduction; Japan to a 6 per cent reduction.