Description
The most prominent type of target is the binding absolute emission reduction targets as included in the Kyoto Protocol for Annex I countries. Countries are required to reach a certain level of emissions in a certain year and have to face consequences, if the level is not reached. The target can be reached in a flexible manner across greenhouse gases and sectors as well as across borders through emission trading. Such targets provide certainty about future emission levels of the participating countries.
These targets could be applied for Annex I and Non-Annex I countries in the future. Several Non-Annex I countries and also the USA have expressed their concerns about the absolute targets as being too rigid and “capping” economic growth.
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