The Kyoto Protocol specifically relates to which one among the following issues?

The correct answer is Emission reduction.

Key Points

• The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty adopted in 1997 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• It aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally to mitigate climate change.
• The treaty places legally binding obligations on industrialized countries and economies in transition to reduce their GHG emissions in accordance with agreed targets.
• Six greenhouse gases are covered under the protocol: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).
• It introduced flexible mechanisms like Emission Trading, Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), and Joint Implementation (JI) to help countries meet their emission reduction targets.

Additional Information

• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
  • Established in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
  • The UNFCCC provides the framework for international cooperation to combat climate change.
  • It has been ratified by 197 countries, known as Parties to the Convention.
  • The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol to the UNFCCC, while the Paris Agreement succeeded it in 2015.
• Paris Agreement
  • The Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015 as a successor to the Kyoto Protocol.
  • Its goal is to limit global warming to below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
  • It emphasizes voluntary and nationally determined contributions (NDCs) for emission reductions.
  • The agreement includes provisions for financial and technical support to developing countries.
• Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
  • GHGs are gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect.
  • Major GHGs include CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, and SF6.
  • Human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation significantly increase GHG concentrations.
  • GHGs are the primary drivers of global warming and climate change.
• Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
  • Introduced under the Kyoto Protocol, CDM allows industrialized countries to invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries.
  • It helps countries achieve their emission reduction targets while promoting sustainable development in host countries.
  • Examples of CDM projects include renewable energy installations, afforestation, and energy efficiency initiatives.