El protocolo de Kyoto: la importancia y limitaciones de un tímido acuerdo

Abstract

In this introductory article I analyse the great difficulties in order to achieve effective international agreements for controlling greenhouse emissions and the importance of the Kyoto Protocol, in spite of its great limitations. I analyse the role of the socalled "flexibility mechanisms" of the Protocol and the specific commitment of the European Union. Lastly, I deal with the difficult situation of Spain in relation to its international commitment and, especially, facing the implementation of the European emissions trading directive.