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Its objective: to make society aware of the need to support the fight against global warming. Hundreds of people, companies, public administrations and other bodies from all over the world form part of the Kyoto Club. Being a cardholder means that as a citizen, in a personal capacity, you have voluntarily made a commitment. It involves contributing small initiatives which are related to reducing energy consumption, getting everyone involved in adopting environmentally-friendly habits and customs as part of their everyday lives. 

Scientists have spent years warning us about the increasing temperature of the planet and its consequences. The emission of greenhouse gases has visible effects such as melting glaciers, the loss of biodiversity, the increase in diseases and the risk of flooding, drought and other adverse meteorological phenomena. This is why the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was written, signed in the Japanese city of Kyoto on 11 December 1997. 

How to obtain the card
The Kyoto Protocol, which Spain joined in 1998, came into force on 16 February 2005. The agreement establishes measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by industrialised countries. 

However the Biodiversity Foundation believes that, real personal commitment is also necessary. Every citizen must support the Kyoto Protocol and, consequently deserve the card after a change of everyday habits or behaviour. 

Commitments such as turning off the television instead of leaving it in stand-by mode and using low-energy light bulbs are just some of the commitments made by members of the Kyoto Club. In order to join it you just need to visit the Biodiversity Foundation website. 

In order to obtain the club card people just need to state what their contribution towards slowing down climate change will be. Every pledge is important. It is hoped that the sum of everyone’s efforts will mean that the earth is a pleasant place to live. Internet users just have to enter their details and state what their contribution will be. 

All people, organisations, companies and public administrations which have demonstrated their commitment to respect the environment to the Biodiversity Foundation have received the Kyoto Club card.

Commitments which can be made
Kyoto cardholders include children and elderly people who have demonstrated that they are environmentally aware. The club includes citizens and companies from different countries.

For people lacking in ideas, the web page lists some suggestions including those detailed below: 

- Turning off the red pilot light on the television when you are no longer watching it. 
- Turning off the lights when you leave a room.
- Using air conditioning and heating in moderation.
- Using the washing machine and dishwasher when they are full.
- Making the most of night tariffs to put on the washing machine and dishwasher.
- Only using the tumble dryer when it is essential. 
- Replacing light bulbs with low-energy ones.
- Only heating the water you need.
- Covering saucepans to save energy. 
- Defrosting the fridge from time to time in order to remove the frost which creates insulation and implies greater electricity consumption. 
- Using public transport, bicycles or walking to save fuel.
- Turning off the computer when it is not in use.

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