The '''Kyoto Protocol''' is a treaty about [[greenhouse gas]] emissions backed by the [[United Nations]]. The goal of the treaty is to vastly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the signed countries. The [[United States]], while it did sign the protocol, has not ratified it. Supporters say that the treaty is crucially needed to prevent a global environmental tragedy. Opponents say it's a lot of hot air to justify [[wealth redistribution]] on a global scale.
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The '''Kyoto Protocol''' is a 1997 treaty about [[greenhouse gas]] emissions, committed 39 participating industrial nations to a combined 5% reduction of 1990 levels by 2012 in emissions damaging to the climate. The [[United Nations]] backs the Kyoto Protocol.
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The stated goal of the treaty is to vastly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the signed countries. The [[United States]], while it did sign the protocol, has not ratified it. Supporters say that the treaty is crucially needed to prevent a global environmental tragedy. Opponents say it's a lot of hot air to justify [[wealth redistribution]] on a global scale, and greater control by governments of businesses.
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The Kyoto Protocol became effective on February 16, 2005, requiring the European Union to reduce its average emissions between the years 2008 and 2012 by 8% relative to 1990 levels.