2022 · GS Paper 3 · Q17 · 15 marks
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.
In short
Global warming, the GHG-driven rise in Earth's temperature, is intensifying heat extremes, disrupting rainfall, melting ice and acidifying oceans. The Kyoto Protocol (in force 2005) answered with binding cuts of about 5% below 1990 levels for developed countries plus emissions trading, Joint Implementation and the Clean Development Mechanism.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 299 words
Extremes and rainfall
Heatwaves grow more frequent, and a moister atmosphere brings heavier downpours with longer dry spells, as India's erratic monsoon shows.
Ice, seas and feedbacks
Melting ice sheets and glaciers raise sea levels, oceans acidify, and thawing permafrost releases methane that amplifies warming.
Binding caps
Kyoto, in force from 2005, required Annex B countries to cut six gases about 5% below 1990 levels in 2008-2012, under common but differentiated responsibilities.
Market mechanisms
Emissions trading inspired the EU ETS (2005) and India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (2023), while the Clean Development Mechanism funded clean projects, with India among its largest hosts.
Sinks
Kyoto counted forests as carbon sinks, an idea that REDD+ and India's Green India Mission carry forward.
Universal ambition
Kyoto faltered when the US stayed out and Canada withdrew, so Paris (2015) NDCs must be tightened every five years.
Transition and finance
India's 50% non-fossil power capacity in 2025, methane cuts and the COP29 goal of $300 billion a year by 2035 must reinforce one another.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2022 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.