The significance of the Kyoto Protocol lies in its establishment as a landmark international agreement aimed at combating climate change. Adopted in 1997 and entering into force in 2005, it committed industrialized nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions based on agreed targets. The Protocol represented the first legally binding agreement of its kind, reflecting growing global awareness of environmental issues. While it faced criticism for not imposing sufficient obligations on developing countries and for the challenges in enforcement, the Kyoto Protocol set a precedent for future climate negotiations, highlighting the need for international cooperation in addressing global warming and environmental sustainability.