What international agreement commits parties to binding emissions reductions?

The Kyoto Protocol is a significant international treaty aimed at combating climate change through binding commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It was established in 1997 and entered into force in 2005, making it the first legally binding agreement under which developed countries are required to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases. The Protocol set specific targets for different countries based on their historical contributions to carbon emissions and their economic capabilities.

The binding nature of the commitments is a crucial feature that distinguishes the Kyoto Protocol from other agreements, as it legally obligates the countries that ratified it to adhere to emission reduction targets. This creates enforceable obligations, which are monitored through various compliance mechanisms, thus holding countries accountable for their environmental impact.

In contrast, while the Paris Agreement also aims to tackle climate change, it does not impose binding emission reduction targets on countries. Instead, it promotes voluntary pledges known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which countries submit and update over time.

The Montreal Protocol primarily focuses on phasing out substances that deplete the ozone layer rather than greenhouse gas emissions, while the Rio Declaration emphasizes principles of sustainable development without binding commitments tailored to emissions reductions. Consequently, among the given options, the Kyoto Protocol is the only one that commits parties to