Question

Read the following statements with reference to the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change:
(i) Each signatory (country) has common and equal responsibility.
(ii) Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Joint Implementation (JI) and International Emission Trading are the three mechanisms under Kyoto Protocol to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions.
(iii) Under Kyoto Protocol, India has agreed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2050 as compared to 2005 emissions.
Which one of the following is correct choice?

• A. only (i) is TRUE
• B. only (ii) is TRUE
• C. only (i) and (ii) are TRUE
• D. only (ii) and (iii) are TRUE

Hint:

- Kyoto Protocol (1997) introduced CDM, JI, and Emission Trading.
- Principle: Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).
- India had no binding targets under Kyoto.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Evaluate statement (i).
Kyoto Protocol follows the principle of “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)”. This means developed countries (Annex I) have greater obligations, while developing countries (like India) have fewer binding targets. Thus, it is not “equal responsibility” for all. Hence, (i) is FALSE.
Step 2: Evaluate statement (ii).
The Kyoto Protocol indeed introduced three flexible mechanisms: - Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) – allows developed countries to invest in emission-reduction projects in developing countries.
- Joint Implementation (JI) – allows developed countries to invest in other developed/transition economies.
- International Emission Trading (IET) – allows trading of emission allowances between countries.
Thus, (ii) is TRUE.
Step 3: Evaluate statement (iii).
India, being a developing country, had no binding emission reduction targets under Kyoto Protocol. The statement about “reducing emissions by half by 2050” relates to voluntary commitments under later climate frameworks (like Paris Agreement), not Kyoto. Hence, (iii) is FALSE. Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{(B) only (ii) is TRUE}} \]