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UPSC Prelims 2008 · Environment · Rules for the Planet
Consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in respect of carbon credits is one of the Kyoto Protocol Mechanisms.
- Under the CDM, the projects handled pertain only to the Annex-I countries.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (a) 1 only
CDM is a Kyoto mechanism; its projects are in developing countries.
Statement by statement
1. ✓ CORRECT The CDM is one of Kyoto’s three flexibility mechanisms.
2. ✗ WRONG CDM projects are set up in developing (non-Annex I) countries; Annex I countries invest and buy the credits.
The idea
Kyoto has two project-based mechanisms and the only difference is where the project sits. Clean Development Mechanism: project in a developing (non-Annex I) country. Joint Implementation: project in another developed (Annex I) country.
Annex I country needs credits → Project in India or Brazil → CDM → earns CERs → Project in Russia or Ukraine → Joint Implementation → earns ERUs
The trap
Statement 2 flips who hosts the projects.
Elimination technique
Statement 2 carries the word “only”. Absolute words such as only, all and cannot usually mark the false statement in Environment PYQs. That removes (b) and (c).
Also know
The CDM has two stated aims: help developing countries move towards sustainable development, and help developed countries meet their targets at lower cost. Non-Annex I countries had no emission targets under Kyoto.
🔒 CDM: project in non-Annex I (India, China), buyer from Annex I. JI: project in another Annex I country.