The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement on fighting climate change. It became law on Feb 16th 2005.
Parts of an Friends of the Earth art installation
at climate talks in Bonn, 2001
Most scientists agree that the Kyoto Protocol isn't the complete answer. But it is a good start.
Scientists believe we have to cut the amounts of carbon dioxide (C02) being released from now on.
The Kyoto Protocol sets targets for the maximum amount of C02 pollution rich countries can produce.
The world's biggest polluter - the United States - hasn't signed the agreement.
Did you know?
The UK has to keep greenhouse gas releases to 12.5% below 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012.
We met this target in 1999 but by 2004 we were dangerously close to breaching it.
The UK has a lot of influence on the world political stage. We could be world leaders in the battle against climate change.
The UK Government says it wants a 20% cut in C02 pollution by 2010. But levels have been rising not falling in recent years.
Friends of the Earth says:
But unless we wean ourselves off dirty old technologies it will be difficult to cut C02.
Fossil fuels and nuclear power >
Image: © Friends of the Earth
