Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Climate change
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
International environmental agreements are important topics in general knowledge and environmental science. The Kyoto Protocol is a well known treaty negotiated under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It set binding targets for industrialized countries to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. This question asks you to identify the main global environmental issue addressed by the Kyoto Protocol.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The Kyoto Protocol focuses on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide from industrialized nations. These gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to global warming and long term climate change. While issues such as ozone depletion are addressed by the Montreal Protocol and wetland conservation by other agreements, Kyoto's main purpose is to tackle anthropogenic climate change by controlling greenhouse gas emissions. It therefore directly targets climate change rather than generic air pollution or other environmental topics.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall that the Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997 under the UNFCCC framework.2. Its core objective was to set legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries to lower their greenhouse gas emissions.3. Greenhouse gases cause an enhanced greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and broader climate change impacts.4. Wetland conservation is addressed by other treaties and national laws, not by the Kyoto Protocol specifically.5. Ozone depletion is tackled by the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer.6. Therefore, the problem primarily targeted by the Kyoto Protocol is climate change.
Verification / Alternative check:
Official summaries of the Kyoto Protocol highlight commitments by industrialized nations to reduce overall emissions of six key greenhouse gases over a defined period. They connect these commitments explicitly to the objective of stabilizing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. No such text emphasizes ozone hole repair, which is clearly linked to the Montreal Protocol, nor does Kyoto focus specifically on wetland areas. While reducing greenhouse gas emissions may also influence air quality, its main stated goal is addressing climate change.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, “Wetland conservation,” is incorrect because although wetlands can store carbon and are environmentally important, the Kyoto Protocol does not primarily focus on wetlands alone. Option B, “Ozone depletion,” is wrong because ozone layer protection is the domain of the Montreal Protocol and related amendments, dealing with chlorofluorocarbons and similar substances. Option C, “Air pollution,” is too broad; Kyoto targets specific greenhouse gases, not all forms of air pollution such as particulate matter or sulphur dioxide. Only Option D, “Climate change,” accurately captures the central aim of the Kyoto Protocol.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse international environmental agreements because many involve atmospheric issues. A common mistake is mixing up the Montreal Protocol (ozone layer) and the Kyoto Protocol (greenhouse gases and climate change). Another pitfall is to choose “air pollution” because greenhouse gases are emitted into the air, but Kyoto's focus is not on urban smog or acid rain; it is on long term climate effects. To avoid confusion, remember: Montreal for ozone depletion, Kyoto for climate change, and subsequent agreements such as the Paris Agreement for newer climate commitments.
Final Answer:
The Kyoto Protocol is primarily related to controlling climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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