TITLE:
The Implications of the Kyoto Protocol for COP: Why Is Global Environmental Governance Political? A Study in Environmental Anthropology
AUTHORS:
Md. Anowarul Azad
KEYWORDS:
Environmental Governance, Kyoto Protocol, Political Nature, Environmental Policies, Environmental Anthropology, Power Dynamics
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.13 No.8,
August
8,
2025
ABSTRACT: The issue of climate change has become a critical concern for the international community, prompting the establishment of various frameworks for environmental governance. One such milestone was the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The protocol introduced legally binding emission reduction targets for industrialized nations, which are primarily responsible for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during the first commitment period. While supporters praised the protocol as a significant step forward, critics have raised concerns about its effectiveness, particularly regarding the rigid targets and timelines imposed without accounting for disparities in national capabilities and interests. This paper offers a critical assessment of the Kyoto Protocol’s performance and the Paris Agreement (COP), highlighting both its achievements and limitations. It also proposes potential amendments to improve the protocol’s efficiency and adaptability in future climate agreements. Furthermore, the study investigates the political nature of global environmental governance, exploring why institutions often struggle to implement environmental policies effectively and address the vulnerabilities of climate-affected populations. Drawing on empirical insights from environmental anthropology, this research reveals how power dynamics, institutional constraints, and socio-political factors influence the governance of global climate initiatives.