Discuss global warming and mention its effects on global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of Kyoto Protocol, 1997. (Answer in 250 words)

Global warming is the long-term rise in Earth’s average temperature caused mainly by anthropogenic greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide.

Effects on climate

• More frequent and intense heat waves, altered monsoons, glacier and ice-sheet loss and sea-level rise.
• Ocean warming and acidification damage marine ecosystems, while extreme rainfall, droughts, wildfires and cyclones create compound risks.
• Agriculture, water security, health, biodiversity, migration and infrastructure are affected unevenly, with vulnerable communities facing greater loss.

Kyoto Protocol framework

• Adopted in 1997 under the UNFCCC, Kyoto placed quantified emission-reduction commitments on developed Annex I parties based on historical responsibility.
• It created flexible mechanisms—Clean Development Mechanism, Joint Implementation and emissions trading—to lower costs and support technology and finance.
• The protocol’s coverage and participation were limited, but it established accounting, reporting and market precedents later developed through Paris Agreement approaches.

Measures

• Renewable energy, energy efficiency, public transport, electrification, methane reduction, forest conservation, carbon sinks and circular production reduce emissions.
• Just transition, climate finance and technology transfer are necessary for equitable mitigation.

Greenhouse gases; radiative forcing; UNFCCC; Annex I; CDM; carbon sinks; mitigation; just transition.