Annex I Parties are countries that have signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty that aims to address the issue of climate change. Annex I Parties are generally developed countries that have committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.
Under the Kyoto Protocol, Annex I Parties have specific emissions reduction targets that they must meet. These targets are based on the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” which means that developed countries, which have contributed the most to climate change, are required to make deeper emissions cuts than developing countries.
The list of Annex I Parties includes countries in the European Union, as well as other developed countries such as the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. This list may change over time as countries join or leave the Kyoto Protocol.
Annex I Parties can use a number of mechanisms to achieve their emissions reduction targets, including emissions trading, joint implementation, and the clean development mechanism. These mechanisms allow countries to buy and sell emissions allowances or to invest in emissions-reducing projects in other countries.