Unpacking pre-2020 climate commitments
Hindustan TimesIn the last few years, the discussions on climate ambition have primarily focused on either nationally determined contribution targets committed within the framework of the Paris Agreement, or respective countries’ net-zero commitments. Under the Kyoto Protocol, an emission reduction target of 5%, based on 1990 levels, was set to be achieved by developed countries in the first commitment period. In contrast, under the Doha Amendment, it was agreed that an emission reduction target of at least 18% would be met by developed countries in the second commitment period. Our ranking makes it clear that developed countries have performed at various levels with respect to their emission reduction targets in the pre- 2020 period. Another way to bridge this pre-2020 gap would be developed countries, which did not participate in the Kyoto Protocol and the Doha Amendment, purchasing the unsold certified emission reductions and voluntarily cancel the unearned carbon emission allowance.