Question

Difficulty: MediumClimate Change, Global Warming and Ozone Layer Depletion

Match the international agreements and atmospheric phenomena related to climate change and ozone layer depletion in List-I with their primary descriptions or objectives in List-II:

  • Kigali AmendmentLegally binding phase-down of high Global Warming Potential (GWP) Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
  • Kyoto ProtocolInternational agreement committing industrialized nations to limit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • Stratospheric OzoneAtmospheric shield that absorbs biologically harmful solar Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation
  • Tropospheric OzoneSecondary air pollutant and short-lived climate pollutant formed via photochemical reactions

Answer

The correct matches are: Kigali Amendment pairs with the legally binding phase-down of high GWP HFCs; Kyoto Protocol pairs with international commitments to limit greenhouse gas emissions; Stratospheric Ozone pairs with the atmospheric shield absorbing harmful UV-B radiation; and Tropospheric Ozone pairs with the secondary air pollutant formed via photochemical reactions.
The Kigali Amendment explicitly targets the phase-down of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) due to their high climate-warming impact. The Kyoto Protocol establishes binding emission targets for major greenhouse gases. Stratospheric ozone functions as a protective shield against ultraviolet-B radiation, whereas tropospheric ozone operates as a secondary air pollutant and short-lived climate force.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary mechanism of the Kigali Amendment
It amends the Montreal Protocol to reduce HFC consumption due to high Global Warming Potential.
HFCs replaced CFCs to protect ozone, but were identified as potent climate-warming gases.
2
Identify the main purpose of the Kyoto Protocol
It focuses on legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gases responsible for global warming.
Adopted in 1997 under UNFCCC framework specifically targeting GHG emission control.
3
Distinguish between Stratospheric and Tropospheric Ozone
Stratospheric ozone is beneficial ('good ozone') shielding against solar UV-B, while tropospheric ozone is ground-level smog ('bad ozone') and a greenhouse gas.
Location determines whether ozone acts as a protective filter or an environmental pollutant.

Key Concept

Climate treaties, global warming mitigation, and dual roles of stratospheric versus tropospheric ozone
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Rate this question