In 1997, The Kyoto Protocol was signed by 191 states (not including the U.S.) which promised to reduce there greenhouse emissions by between 5.2%. Other goals have been set for example the Montreal Protocol which focuses on reducing CFC’s. However, these targets have will not be met, but does this matter? Are countries penalised for not reaching these targets? Well, in short, no!
Many of these goals (including those set within individuals countries) are just constantly postponed. When the deadline gets closer...its just constantly pushed back! alternatively, these targets are quietly reduced! Canada in June 2005 cut its target for 2010 by 5 million tonnes in the hope of not falling too short (esciencenews, 2010). Today Canada have also rejected signing the new international agreement on the future of the Kyoto Agreement (AFP, 2011). This shows that countries are starting to follow the path of the US in attempting to reduce their own emmisions, but in their own time, and without international commissions looking over their shoulder.
I think it is best summed up by this quote taken from Nature:
‘The Kyoto Protocol is a symbolically important expression of governments' concern about climate change. But as an instrument for achieving emissions reductions, it has failed. It has produced no demonstrable reductions in emissions or even in anticipated emissions growth’
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