The Kyoto Protocol intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change through binding targets for developed countries. However, it faced several challenges and criticisms. While there were some successes in emission reductions in certain countries, the overall goals were not met as expected.
The statement that best reflects the positioning of the Kyoto Protocol is: failed because developing countries were exempt.
This is a common criticism of the agreement, as many developing countries were not required to meet legally binding targets, which some argued undermined the effectiveness of the protocol in achieving significant global emissions reductions. Additionally, the fact that the U.S. did not sign the agreement also contributed to its limitations in achieving its intended goals. However, the critique about developing countries being exempt is a central point in assessing the protocol's shortcomings.