UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

The Kyoto Protocol is a key international treaty under the UNFCCC that sets legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries. Adopted in 1997 in Kyoto,Japan,it marked the first major step toward quantified greenhouse gas limits. It also introduced mechanisms such as emissions trading and the Clean Development Mechanism. Thus the description in the question clearly refers to the Kyoto Protocol.

Option A:
The Montreal Protocol focuses on phasing out ozone depleting substances such as CFCs. Its primary objective is protection of the ozone layer,not greenhouse gas reduction commitments for industrialised nations. Therefore it does not fit the description in the stem.

Option B:
The Basel Convention regulates transboundary movement and disposal of hazardous wastes. It is concerned mainly with waste management rather than climate change mitigation. Hence it is not the agreement described in the question.

Option C:
The Kyoto Protocol specifically addresses greenhouse gas emissions from developed countries. It sets quantified limits and timetables and establishes flexible mechanisms to achieve them. This makes it the correct answer for the treaty mentioned.

Option D:
The Stockholm Declaration emerged from the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment as a set of principles. It does not itself establish binding emission reduction targets. Therefore it does not correspond to the agreement described in the question.