What is the primary purpose of the Kyoto protocal?

In 1997, the problem of the rising of earth's average temperature was a strong enough political topic that eighty world leaders met in Kyoto, Japan, to agree upon a means of controlling that increase. The result was the Kyoto Protocol, which had no legal authority unless ratified by individual countries according to their constitutional processes. Countries that ratify agree to reduce their emissions of five greenhouse gases and CO2. The Protocol applies mostly to developed countries, with less stringent requirements being placed on nations with developing economies.

The Kyoto Protocol was signed in Kyoto, Japan on 1997.

All countries have now ratified the protocol, with the exception of the US, who now has a new President who supports the protocol.