COP 3 – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

COP 3 Overview:

• Location and Dates: COP 3 took place in Kyoto, Japan, from December 1 to December 11, 1997.

Key Outcomes and Discussions from COP 3:

• Adoption of the Kyoto Protocol: The most significant outcome of COP 3 was the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty that established legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries. Under the Protocol, developed countries committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels over the commitment period from 2008 to 2012.
• Mechanisms for Emission Reduction: COP 3 established three flexible mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol: the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Joint Implementation (JI), and Emissions Trading. These mechanisms allowed developed countries to meet their emissions reduction targets by investing in emission reduction projects in other countries or trading emission allowances.
• Differentiated Responsibilities: COP 3 reaffirmed the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” acknowledging that developed countries should take the lead in mitigating climate change due to their historical contributions to greenhouse gas emissions and their greater capacity to address the issue.
• Participation and Ratification: Many countries formally signed the Kyoto Protocol at COP 3, indicating their commitment to its provisions. However, the Protocol needed to be ratified by a sufficient number of countries to enter into force, which occurred later.
• Assistance to Developing Countries: Discussions at COP 3 included provisions for financial and technological assistance to developing countries to support their efforts in addressing climate change and adapting to its impacts.

COP 3 marked a significant milestone in global climate action by establishing legally binding emission reduction targets and the mechanisms to achieve them. It demonstrated international commitment to addressing climate change and laid the foundation for subsequent COP meetings and climate agreements. The Kyoto Protocol came into force in 2005 after it was ratified by enough countries, and it remained in effect until it was succeeded by the Paris Agreement in 2015.