UPSC Prelims 2009 Q112: Environment & Ecology – Climate Change & Greenhouse Gases
The concept of carbon credit originated
from which one of the following ?
- (a) Earth Summit, Rio de Janeiro
- (b) Kyoto Protocol
- (c) Montreal Protocol
- (d) G - 8 Summit, Heiligendamm
Answer: (b) Kyoto Protocol
Explanation
Where the concept of "carbon credit" originated
This market-based climate tool traces its origin to a specific major international climate agreement.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Earth Summit, Rio de Janeiro | Incorrect | The 1992 Rio Earth Summit led to the UNFCCC, but 'carbon credit' as a specific tradable mechanism originated later |
| (b) Kyoto Protocol | Correct | The Kyoto Protocol (1997) introduced the market mechanisms (like the CDM) from which the 'carbon credit' concept specifically emerged |
| (c) Montreal Protocol | Incorrect | This deals with ozone-depleting substances, unrelated to carbon credits |
| (d) G-8 Summit, Heiligendamm | Incorrect | A policy discussion forum, not the origin of this specific market mechanism |
Carbon credit origin:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Originated from | Kyoto Protocol, 1997 |
| Related mechanism | Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) |
Answer: (b) Kyoto Protocol.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Rio Earth Summit laid the broader UNFCCC foundation, but not this specific mechanism.
- (b) CORRECT. The Kyoto Protocol introduced the market mechanisms from which 'carbon credit' emerged.
- (c) Incorrect. The Montreal Protocol addresses ozone depletion, unrelated to carbon credits.
- (d) Incorrect. The G-8 Heiligendamm Summit is a policy forum, not this mechanism's origin.
Key point
The concept of 'carbon credit' originated from the Kyoto Protocol (1997), which introduced market mechanisms like the Clean Development Mechanism.
Remember
The concept of carbon credit originated from the Kyoto Protocol.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the broader UNFCCC foundation (Rio Earth Summit) with the specific Kyoto Protocol mechanism that created carbon credits.
- Mixing up the Montreal Protocol's ozone focus with climate/carbon mechanisms.
- Not knowing the 1997 Kyoto Protocol as the specific origin point.
Exam tip
Carbon credit concept = Kyoto Protocol (1997) origin, distinct from the earlier, broader Rio Earth Summit (1992).
Sources
- United Nations — Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1997), Articles 6, 12 and 17
- World Bank — State and Trends of the Carbon Market 2008