This policy aims to reduce the total emissions of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) around the world, and aims to provide the architecture for the future international agreement on climate change.

Under this policy, each country is assigned an amount of carbon emissions they are allowed to emit, nations pledge to cut their yearly emissions of carbon to reach reduction targets.

This policy was:
Signed: December 11, 1997
Ratified: 2002
In force: February 16, 2005

this policy's first commitment period was from 2008-2012, and it's next from 2013-2020

This policy involves ratification by all United Nation members except Andorra, Canada, South Sudan and the United States. (a total ratification by 191 counties and parties)

This policy has received mixed critique for effectiveness for emission control. Overall, there are more success than failures, but emissions globally continue to rise. Especially in countries with rapid developing economies like China.

This policy was signed by the United States but has yet to be ratified.