Why is carbon dioxide tracked under the Kyoto Protocol?

The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is tracked under this protocol primarily because it is a major contributor to climate change. When fossil fuels are burned for energy, CO2 is released into the atmosphere, where it enhances the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and subsequent impacts on climate patterns.

Tracking carbon dioxide emissions is essential because it allows countries to quantify their contributions to global warming and implement strategies to reduce these emissions over time. This monitoring is a critical part of the agreement, which aims to combat climate change and promote sustainable environmental practices. Therefore, measuring CO2 emissions is a foundational aspect of the efforts outlined by the Kyoto Protocol to address the urgent challenge of climate change effectively.