Q. Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.

Model Answer: 

Global Warming, Climate Effects, and Kyoto Protocol Measures

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average temperature, primarily caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases. This phenomenon has profound effects on the global climate:

• Rising global temperatures: Leading to heatwaves (e.g., European heatwave 2003) and altered ecosystems
• Changing precipitation patterns: Causing droughts and floods in various regions
• Extreme weather events: More frequent and intense hurricanes, cyclones, and storms
• Sea level rise: Threatening coastal communities and small island nations
• Impact on ecosystems: Affecting biodiversity and species migration patterns

The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, was a landmark international agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It set binding targets for developed countries to reduce their emissions by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012.

Control measures outlined in the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions include:

1. Emission reduction targets: Legally binding goals for developed countries
2. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): Allowing developed countries to invest in emission-reduction projects in developing countries
3. Joint Implementation (JI): Enabling countries to collaborate on emission reduction projects
4. Emissions trading: Establishing a carbon market to incentivize emissions reduction
5. Promotion of renewable energy: Encouraging solar, wind, and hydroelectric power
6. Energy efficiency improvements: In industries, buildings, and transportation

The protocol faced challenges such as the non-participation of major emitters like the United States and the lack of binding targets for developing countries. Despite these limitations, it laid the groundwork for future climate agreements.

Implementation of these measures has seen varied success. For instance:
• The European Union’s Emissions Trading System
• China’s massive investment in solar energy
• India’s push for energy-efficient LED bulbs
• Brazil’s efforts to reduce Amazon deforestation

Conclusion: The Kyoto Protocol initiated global climate action, paving the way for more comprehensive agreements to address the urgent challenge of climate change.