How does the EU plan to achieve that Kyoto Protocol 2012 targets?

The United Nations Framework Convention has defined the Kyoto Protocol as a legally binding commitment to reach a worldwide emission reduction of four greenhouse gases (CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride) and two groups of gases (hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons). As of 2008, 183 countries had ratified the protocol, which entered into force in February 2005. The Protocol stipulates that countries must meet their targets primarily through national measures. However there are three additional mechanisms by which they can meet their targets:

• Emissions Trading: Each country is assigned a certain level of ‘allowable’ emissions in order to reach its target. A country with extra credits may trade this right to emit with a country which has produced more than its allotted greenhouse gasses.
• Clean Development Mechanism: Developed countries which have agreed emissions reduction or limitation commitments may implement an emission reduction project in a developing country. In return for this they receive emission reduction credits which count towards meeting their Kyoto targets.
• Joint Implementation: Joint implementation allows a developed country with emissions commitments to earn emission reduction credits from an emission-reducing project in another developed country with emissions commitments.

The EU adopted the Kyoto protocol through the introduction of burden sharing targets of -8% by 2012. To achieve these targets large investments are needed like the extension of nuclear plant lifetimes, the use of, clean coal, CO2 power plants and renewable energy.

Research by Kevine Lidoro