The Amendment updates the reduction target from Kyoto's first commitment period 2008-2012.

Instead of 5% global emission reduction target, a reduction of -18% should now be achieved by 2020, compared to the reference year 1990.

Note that Europe is currently a strong pioneer. With its ''2020 European Climate and Energy Package'' and accompanying 20/20/20 targets already formulated in 2008, it is far ahead of Doha.

The Doha Amendment entered into force on 31 December 2020, the day it expired as not enough states had signed it (144 signing Parties are needed for validation). Officially, the Amendment was therefore only valid for 1 day.

Belgium only signed the Amendment in 2017.