Primary purpose of the kyoto protocol

to limit and decrease the world-wide emission of greenhouse gases 

n theory. But the reality of dealing with developed and developing nations meant and means it is almost impossible to come up with agreements that really work. Developed countries can afford to take some measures, even if they complain about the costs. But for developing nations, the added cost stalls out their development. So the effect is to impose the most burdens on the developed nations, while giving a "pass" to the developing nations. But with the idea of carbon offsets, developed nations can purchase the right to exceed their CO2 output. The Kyoto Protocols are essentially a joke and obsolete.