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Q55 (IAS/2016) Environment & Ecology › Climate Change & Global Initiatives › Climate measurement protocols Official Key

What is 'Greenhouse Gas Protocol'?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: A
Explanation

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is the most widely used international accounting tool used by government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions.[1] GHG Protocol standards and guidance enable companies, cities and national governments to measure, manage and report their greenhouse gas emissions.[2] The initiative is developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).[4]

Option B is incorrect as the GHG Protocol is not a UN initiative offering financial incentives. Option C is incorrect because it is not an inter-governmental agreement ratified by UN member countries with emission reduction targets by 2022. Option D is incorrect as the GHG Protocol is not a REDD+ initiative hosted by the World Bank; it is a standardized accounting framework developed by WRI and WBCSD.

Sources
  1. [1] https://libguides.mit.edu/c.php?g=176274&p=1160277
  2. [2] https://unosd.un.org/sites/unosd.un.org/files/session_10_mr._wee_kean_fong_wri.pdf
  3. [3] https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099601406212237480/pdf/IDU1a33e626c104b3142cb1a4b6196e230b605c5.pdf
  4. [4] https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099601406212237480/pdf/IDU1a33e626c104b3142cb1a4b6196e230b605c5.pdf
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PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
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Q. What is 'Greenhouse Gas Protocol'? [A] It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantif…
At a glance
Origin: Mostly Current Affairs Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 0/10 · 10/10

This question is a classic 'Option Masquerade'. While the correct answer (A) comes from specialized reports (WRI/WBCSD), the wrong options (B, C, D) describe standard syllabus topics (CDM, Kyoto/Paris, REDD+). If you mastered the standard books, you could eliminate B, C, and D to arrive at A without ever reading the specific definition of the GHG Protocol.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Is the Greenhouse Gas Protocol an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is the most widely used international accounting tool used by government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions."
Why this source?
  • Directly labels the GHG Protocol as 'the most widely used international accounting tool'.
  • Specifically says it is used by government and business leaders to 'understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions.'
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"GHG Protocol standards and guidance enable companies, cities and national governments to measure, manage and report their greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse Gas Protocol provides the world's most widely used greenhouse gas accounting standards for companies and cities."
Why this source?
  • States GHG Protocol standards enable companies, cities and national governments to measure, manage and report their greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Describes GHG Protocol as providing the world's most widely used greenhouse gas accounting standards, supporting the 'international accounting tool' characterization.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > 24.21; NATIONAL GREEN HOUSE GAS INVENTORIES PROGRAMME (NGGIP) > p. 341
Strength: 5/5
“The IPCC established the national greenhouse gas Inventories Programme (NGGIP) to provide methods for estimating national inventories r:f greenhouse gas emissions to, and removals from, the atmosphere. • The guidance produced by the NGGIP is used by countries that are Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to estimate the emissions and removals that they report to the UNFCCC. • It may be used by others who want to produce estimates consistent with national totals. Internationally agreed guidance is needed so that emission and removal estimates can be compared between countries and over time.”
Why relevant

Describes the IPCC's National Greenhouse Gas Inventories Programme (NGGIP) which provides methods for estimating national inventories and guidance used by Parties to the UNFCCC.

How to extend

A student could infer that international guidance exists for consistent accounting and then check whether the GHG Protocol serves a similar function for governments and businesses.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > z4.zr.z. The Panel decided: > p. 342
Strength: 4/5
“• That the IPCC is responsible for assessing and developing inventory methods and practices which are scientifically sound and relevant to all countries, noting particularly the lack of information in developing countries, • This includes • (a) developing methods for estimating emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) by sources, and removals through sinks, • (b) assessing and developing methods to quantify and manage uncertainties in the estimates of GHGs, • (c) assessing the scientific literature”
Why relevant

States the IPCC is responsible for developing inventory methods, including methods to quantify and manage uncertainties in GHG estimates.

How to extend

One could use this pattern (international bodies producing accounting methods) to hypothesize that other standardized tools (like the GHG Protocol) would be used by leaders to quantify/manage emissions and then verify the Protocol's target audiences.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Carbon market > p. 425
Strength: 4/5
“• A popular (but misleading) term for a trading system through which countries may buy or sell units of greenhouse-gas emissions in an effort to meet their national limits on emissions, either under the Kloto Protocol or under other agreements, such as that among member states of the European Union. The term comes from the fact that carbon dioxide is the predominant greenhouse gas, and other gases are measured in units called "carbon-dioxide equivalents."”
Why relevant

Explains that emissions are expressed in carbon-dioxide equivalents for trading and that trading systems require measurable units of GHG emissions.

How to extend

A student can reason that standardized accounting tools are needed to produce comparable CO2e figures for markets and policy, and then look up whether the GHG Protocol provides such standardized metrics for businesses and governments.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > Amendment of the Kyoto Protocol > p. 329
Strength: 3/5
“The Kyoto Protocol is the only existing and binding agreement under which developed countries undertake quantitative commitments to cut greenhouse gases. It was amended so that it could seamlessly continue. 8-year second commitment period, which started on January 1st, 2013. • The Kyoto Protocol's Market Mechanisms, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Joint Implementation UI) and International Emissions Trading (lET) will continue. • Access to the mechanisms remains uninterrupted for all developed countries that have accepted targets for the second commitment period.”
Why relevant

Notes the Kyoto Protocol set quantitative commitments and continued market mechanisms (CDM, JI, IET), implying a need for consistent measurement and reporting of emissions.

How to extend

From the existence of quantified commitments and market mechanisms one can infer the practical necessity of accounting frameworks and then investigate whether the GHG Protocol is one of those frameworks used by actors to meet/report commitments.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Quantified Emissions Lirnitation and Reduction Commitments (QELROs) > p. 427
Strength: 3/5
“Quantified Emissions Limitation and Reduction Commitments (QELROs) r Legally binding targets and timetables under the Kyoto Protocol for the limitation or reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions by developed countries.”
Why relevant

Defines Quantified Emissions Limitation and Reduction Commitments (QELROs) as legally binding targets under Kyoto, illustrating that international targets create demand for emission accounting.

How to extend

A student could use the logic that binding targets require standardized accounting and then seek evidence whether the GHG Protocol fills that role for government and business leaders.

Statement 2
Is the Greenhouse Gas Protocol an initiative of the United Nations that offers financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopt eco-friendly technologies?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"GHG Protocol standards and guidance enable companies, cities and national governments to measure, manage and report their greenhouse gas emissions."
Why this source?
  • Describes the GHG Protocol as providing standards and guidance to measure, manage and report greenhouse gas emissions — indicating an accounting/standards role rather than a UN initiative.
  • Focuses on standards for companies, cities and governments; the passage does not mention financial incentives or UN affiliation.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"The global standard for companies and organizations to measure and manage their GHG emissions and become more efficient, resilient and prosperous."
Why this source?
  • Calls the GHG Protocol "The global standard for companies and organizations to measure and manage their GHG emissions," showing it is a standards initiative.
  • Content emphasizes measurement and management, with no reference to providing financial incentives or being a United Nations program.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s (WBCSD) Greenhouse Gas Protocol Initiative (GHG Protocol)"
Why this source?
  • States the GHG Protocol is associated with the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), not the United Nations.
  • Describes the Protocol as guidance for corporate GHG accounting and reporting, not as a program offering financial incentives to developing countries.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Clean Developrnent Mechanism (CDM) > p. 425
Strength: 5/5
“A mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol through which developed countries may finance greenhouse-gas emission reduction or removal projects in developing countries, and receive credits for doing so which they may apply towards meeting mandatory limits on their own emissions.”
Why relevant

Describes the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), under the Kyoto Protocol, as a mechanism through which developed countries finance emission-reduction projects in developing countries and receive credits.

How to extend

A student could compare the CDM's described finance-for-projects model with the claimed role of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol to see if the latter is described similarly in other sources.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > 24.,.2, The objectives of Kyoto mechanisms: > p. 325
Strength: 4/5
“24.?.2,. The objectives of Kyoto mechanisms: • Its objective is to facilitate, promote and enforce compliance with the commitments under the Protocol. • Stimulate sustainable development through technology transfer and investment. • Help countries with Kyoto commitments to meet their targets by reducing emissions or removing carbon from the atmosphere in other countries in a cost-effective way. • Encourage the private sector and developing countries to contribute to emission reduction efforts.”
Why relevant

Lists objectives of Kyoto 'mechanisms' including stimulating sustainable development through technology transfer and encouraging developing countries' participation.

How to extend

Use this pattern (UN-linked mechanisms offering tech transfer and incentives) to check whether the Greenhouse Gas Protocol is presented as one of these mechanisms or as having similar objectives.

Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Environment and Natural Resources > Common but Differentiated Responsibilities > p. 87
Strength: 4/5
“It was also acknowledged that per capita emissions in developing countries are still relatively low. China, India, and other developing countries were, therefore, exempted from the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement setting targets for industrialised countries to cut their greenhouse gas emissions. Certain gases like Carbon dioxide, Methane, Hydrofluoro carbons etc. are considered at least partly responsible for global warming - the rise in global temperature which may have catastrophic consequences for life on Earth. The protocol was agreed to in 1997 in Kyoto in Japan, based on principles set out in UNFCCC.”
Why relevant

States that the Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement based on UNFCCC principles, linking greenhouse-gas agreements to UN processes.

How to extend

A student could use the UNFCCC↔Kyoto connection as a template to verify whether the Greenhouse Gas Protocol is likewise an initiative originating from a UN body or a different institution.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > 24.21; NATIONAL GREEN HOUSE GAS INVENTORIES PROGRAMME (NGGIP) > p. 341
Strength: 4/5
“The IPCC established the national greenhouse gas Inventories Programme (NGGIP) to provide methods for estimating national inventories r:f greenhouse gas emissions to, and removals from, the atmosphere. • The guidance produced by the NGGIP is used by countries that are Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to estimate the emissions and removals that they report to the UNFCCC. • It may be used by others who want to produce estimates consistent with national totals. Internationally agreed guidance is needed so that emission and removal estimates can be compared between countries and over time.”
Why relevant

Explains that the IPCC (an intergovernmental UN-linked body) established a national GHG inventories programme and issues guidance used by parties to UNFCCC — showing UN-linked organizations create technical programs related to GHG accounting.

How to extend

From this example of a UN-linked technical program, a student could check whether the Greenhouse Gas Protocol is a similar technical guidance product from a UN body or from a non‑UN organization.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > Amendment of the Kyoto Protocol > p. 329
Strength: 3/5
“The Kyoto Protocol is the only existing and binding agreement under which developed countries undertake quantitative commitments to cut greenhouse gases. It was amended so that it could seamlessly continue. 8-year second commitment period, which started on January 1st, 2013. • The Kyoto Protocol's Market Mechanisms, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Joint Implementation UI) and International Emissions Trading (lET) will continue. • Access to the mechanisms remains uninterrupted for all developed countries that have accepted targets for the second commitment period.”
Why relevant

Notes the Kyoto Protocol's market mechanisms (CDM, JI, IET) continue and that access to these mechanisms is tied to countries accepting targets, illustrating how international agreements can create formal incentive mechanisms.

How to extend

A student could contrast the formal market/incentive structure of Kyoto mechanisms with any described incentive mechanisms of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol to see if they match in form and governance.

Statement 3
Is the Greenhouse Gas Protocol an inter-governmental agreement ratified by all United Nations member countries that mandates specified greenhouse gas emission reductions by the year 2022?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"The global standard for companies and organizations to measure and manage their GHG emissions and become more efficient, resilient and prosperous."
Why this source?
  • Identifies the GHG Protocol as "the global standard for companies and organizations" to measure and manage emissions, indicating it is an accounting standard for organizations rather than an inter-governmental treaty.
  • Frames the Protocol as guidance for companies and organizations, not as a ratified international agreement that sets binding national reduction mandates.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"GHG Protocol standards and guidance enable companies, cities and national governments to measure, manage and report their greenhouse gas emissions."
Why this source?
  • Describes GHG Protocol as "standards and guidance" that enable companies, cities and national governments to measure, manage and report emissions, emphasizing accounting and reporting roles.
  • States the standards were "developed through inclusive global multi-stakeholder development processes," implying nongovernmental development rather than an inter-governmental ratified treaty.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) (2004), Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard, World Resources Institute/World Business Council for Sustainable Development."
Why this source?
  • References the GHG Protocol as the "Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard" produced by the World Resources Institute/World Business Council for Sustainable Development, showing it is an NGO standard.
  • Characterizes the Protocol as an accounting/reporting standard rather than a binding international agreement that mandates emissions cuts by a specific date.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > 1997 > p. 322
Strength: 5/5
“3rd Conference of the Parties adopted the Kyoto Protocol, the world's first greenhouse gas emissions reduction treaty.”
Why relevant

Identifies the Kyoto Protocol as 'the world's first greenhouse gas emissions reduction treaty'—shows that some international instruments are intergovernmental treaties that mandate emissions cuts.

How to extend

Compare whether the Greenhouse Gas Protocol is listed among such treaties (like Kyoto) or instead is a different kind of instrument.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Quantified Emissions Lirnitation and Reduction Commitments (QELROs) > p. 427
Strength: 5/5
“Quantified Emissions Limitation and Reduction Commitments (QELROs) r Legally binding targets and timetables under the Kyoto Protocol for the limitation or reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions by developed countries.”
Why relevant

Defines QELROs as 'legally binding targets and timetables under the Kyoto Protocol'—gives a clear pattern of how an intergovernmental treaty can mandate specified reductions and timetables.

How to extend

Check whether the Greenhouse Gas Protocol contains QELRO‑style legally binding targets and timetables or lacks such provisions.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > 24.2. KYOTO PROTOCOL: COp-3. > p. 324
Strength: 4/5
“• By rgg5, countries realized that emission reductions provisions in the Convention were inadequate. They launched negotiations to strengthen the global response to climate change, and, two years later, adopted the Kyoto Protocol.• The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, on 11 December 1997. Due to a complex ratification process, it entered into force on 16 February 2005.• In short, the Kyoto Protocol is what 'operationalizes' the Convention. gas emissions based on the principles of the Convention. r The major distinction between the protocol and the Convention is that while the Convention encouraged industrialized countries to stabiiize GHG emissions, the Protocol commits them to do so.”
Why relevant

Notes adoption date and entry-into-force process for Kyoto (adopted 1997, entered into force 2005) — illustrates that treaties require formal adoption and ratification processes and may take years before coming into force.

How to extend

Investigate whether the Greenhouse Gas Protocol underwent a similar adoption/ratification process and has formal entry-into-force status among UN members.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 21: Sustainable Development and Climate Change > KIGALI AMENDMENT > p. 602
Strength: 4/5
“• The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is an international, legally binding agreement entered into force in 2019 to cut the production and use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). • Initially, the amendment was ratified by 65 countries. Liberia becoming the 100<sup>th</sup> nation to ratify the Amendment in July 2020 Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) are the climate pledges and intended reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of countries under the UNFCCC. All countries that signed the UNFCCC were asked to declare their INDCs at the UN's 2013 climate negotiations in Warsaw (CoP 19). The INDC will become the first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) when a country ratifies the Paris agreement.”
Why relevant

Gives an example (Kigali Amendment) of ratification counts and entry-into-force rules (initial ratifications, milestone of 100th ratification) and also explains INDCs/NDCs as country pledges under UNFCCC/Paris framework.

How to extend

Use ratification-count conventions and INDC/NDC examples to check if the Greenhouse Gas Protocol has comparable ratification data or instead functions like guidance/standards for reporting.

FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: World Climate and Climate Change > Greenhouse Gases(GHGs) > p. 96
Strength: 4/5
“International efforts have been initiated for reducing the emission of GHGs into the atmosphere. The most important one is the Kyoto protocol proclaimed in 1997. This protocol went into effect in 2005, ratified by 141 nations. Kyoto protocol bounds the 35 industrialised countries to reduce their emissions by the year 2012 to 5 per cent less than the levels prevalent in the year 1990. The increasing trend in the concentration of GHGs in the atmosphere may, in the long run, warm up the earth. Once the global warming sets in, it will be difficult to reverse it. The effect of global warming may not be uniform everywhere.”
Why relevant

Summarizes Kyoto’s numeric target (developed countries to cut emissions to 1990 levels by 2012), showing that international agreements can set explicit target years and percentages.

How to extend

Compare whether the Greenhouse Gas Protocol specifies numeric targets with a deadline (e.g., by 2022) as treaties like Kyoto do.

Statement 4
Is the Greenhouse Gas Protocol one of the multilateral REDD+ initiatives hosted by the World Bank?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"consistent with the principles and guidance of the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s (WBCSD) Greenhouse Gas Protocol Initiative (GHG Protocol)"
Why this source?
  • States the World Bank Group aligns its internal inventory with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol developed by WRI and WBCSD, indicating GHG Protocol is an external standard.
  • Implies the GHG Protocol is owned/maintained by WRI and WBCSD rather than being a World Bank–hosted multilateral REDD+ initiative.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"Greenhouse Gas Protocol The global standard for companies and organizations to measure and manage their GHG emissions"
Why this source?
  • WRI describes the Greenhouse Gas Protocol as a global standard and lists it as a WRI initiative/project.
  • Shows GHG Protocol is a standards initiative (by WRI/WBCSD), not described as a World Bank–hosted REDD+ multilateral initiative.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"GHG Protocol standards and guidance enable companies, cities and national governments to measure, manage and report their greenhouse gas emissions."
Why this source?
  • Explains GHG Protocol standards and guidance enable companies, cities and national governments to measure and report emissions.
  • Describes GHG Protocol as globally used accounting standards developed through multi-stakeholder processes—consistent with an independent standards body, not a World Bank REDD+ host.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > Forest Carbon Partnership Facility > p. 344
Strength: 5/5
“• Administered by The World Bank • Area of focus Mitigation REDD • Date operational zooS The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCpF) is a World Bank programme and consists of a Readiness Fund and a Carbon Fund" The FCPF was created to assist developing countries to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, enhance and conserve Jorest carbon stocks, and sustainably manage forests (REDD+).”
Why relevant

Identifies the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) as a World Bank programme focused on REDD+—example of a World Bank–hosted multilateral REDD+ initiative.

How to extend

A student could compare authoritative lists of World Bank REDD+ programmes (which include FCPF) against lists of known GHG initiatives to see if the Greenhouse Gas Protocol appears.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > Strategic Climate Fund > p. 343
Strength: 5/5
“//uz-, u ,9 * • Administered by the World Bank • Area of focus: Adaptation, Mitigation (general), Mitigation - REDD • Date operational: 2008 • The Strategic Climate Fund (SCF), one of two multi-donor Trust Funds within the Climate Investment Funds (CIFs), serves as an overarching framework for three targeted programs piloting new approaches and scaled-up, transformational action on climate change: • Forest Investment Program (FIP); • Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR); and”
Why relevant

Shows the Strategic Climate Fund is administered by the World Bank and includes REDD-related programs (e.g., Forest Investment Program), giving another example of World Bank–hosted REDD+ efforts.

How to extend

Use this pattern (World Bank administers named REDD programs) to check whether the Greenhouse Gas Protocol is listed among programs administered by the World Bank.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > UN-BEDD Programme > p. 347
Strength: 4/5
“• Administered by UNDP• Area of focus Mitigation REDD• Date operational zooS Three UN Agencies - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) - have collaborated in the estabiishment of the UN-REDD programme, a multi-donor trust {und that allows donors to pool resources and provide funding with the-aim of significantly reducing global emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries. Through its nine initial country programme activities in Africa, Asia and Latin America, the UN-REDD Programme supports the capacity of national governments to prepare and implement national REDD strategies with the involvement of all stakeholders.”
Why relevant

Describes UN-REDD as a REDD programme administered by UN agencies (UNEP, UNDP, FAO), providing a contrasting host structure for multilateral REDD+ initiatives.

How to extend

A student can use this contrast (UN agencies vs World Bank hosts) to assess whether the Greenhouse Gas Protocol aligns with UN or World Bank hosting models.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > 24.17. REDD & REDD+ > p. 337
Strength: 4/5
“• REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) is the global endeavour to create an incentive for developing countries to protect, better manage and save their forest resources, thus contributing to the global fight against climate change • REDD+ goes beyond merely checking deforestation and forest degradation, and includes incentives for positive elements of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks”
Why relevant

Defines REDD and REDD+ and their scope, clarifying what kinds of initiatives count as REDD+ efforts.

How to extend

Compare the mission/scope of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (if known) to the REDD+ definition here to judge whether it fits the category of REDD+ initiatives the World Bank hosts.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Registries, registry systenns > p. 427
Strength: 3/5
“• o Electronic databases that track and record all transactions under the Nationalsto Protocol's greenhouse-gas emissions trading system (the "carbon market") and under mechanisms such as the Clean Development Mechanism. • o "Registry" may also refer to discussions on a system for inscribing nationally appropriate mitigation actions.”
Why relevant

Discusses registries and greenhouse-gas emissions trading mechanisms, linking the topic of greenhouse gas accounting to institutional mechanisms.

How to extend

A student could check whether the Greenhouse Gas Protocol is described as a registry/market mechanism hosted by the World Bank or as a separate accounting standard by other organizations.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC constructs distractors by using correct definitions of *other* famous entities. Option C is a near-description of the Paris Agreement/Kyoto. Option D describes the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. When you study a term, define what it is NOT.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Moderate (Sitter via Elimination). While the term 'GHG Protocol' is niche (WRI/WBCSD), Options B, C, and D are descriptions of Kyoto/CDM, Paris Agreement, and FCPF/UN-REDD respectively. Source: Elimination via Shankar IAS Ch 24 & 29.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Global Climate Governance Architecture. Distinguishing between 'Intergovernmental Treaties' (UNFCCC), 'Financial Mechanisms' (GEF, GCF), and 'Technical/Accounting Standards' (GHG Protocol, ISO).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 'Scopes' of Carbon Accounting (Scope 1: Direct, Scope 2: Indirect Energy, Scope 3: Value Chain). Know the parents of the GHG Protocol: World Resources Institute (WRI) and WBCSD. Contrast with ISO 14064.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Categorize entities by 'Nature' and 'Parent'. Is it a Treaty (UN)? A Fund (World Bank)? Or a Tool (NGO)? Option C implies a Treaty (UN). Option D implies a Fund (World Bank). The GHG Protocol is a Tool (NGO). Matching the 'Nature' to the 'Name' solves this.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 IPCC National Greenhouse Gas Inventories Programme (NGGIP)
💡 The insight

NGGIP provides internationally agreed methods for estimating national GHG inventories, directly related to the idea of standardized accounting of emissions.

High-yield for UPSC: understanding NGGIP explains how countries estimate and report emissions under UNFCCC, links to climate diplomacy and reporting obligations, and helps answer questions on methodologies and comparability of national data. Prepare by studying IPCC inventory guidance and its role in international reporting.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > 24.21; NATIONAL GREEN HOUSE GAS INVENTORIES PROGRAMME (NGGIP) > p. 341
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > z4.zr.z. The Panel decided: > p. 342
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Greenhouse Gas Protocol an international accounting tool for government a..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Kyoto Protocol: QELROs and market mechanisms
💡 The insight

The Kyoto Protocol established quantified emissions limitation and reduction commitments (QELROs) for developed countries and created market mechanisms for trading emissions — core aspects of international emissions accounting and management.

Crucial for UPSC mains and prelims: covers legally binding emission targets, obligations of developed countries, and policy instruments (CDM, JI, IET). Connects to international environmental law, global equity debates, and carbon-market questions. Study treaty provisions, commitment periods, and associated mechanisms.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Quantified Emissions Lirnitation and Reduction Commitments (QELROs) > p. 427
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > Amendment of the Kyoto Protocol > p. 329
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Carbon market > p. 425
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Greenhouse Gas Protocol an international accounting tool for government a..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Carbon credits and carbon markets
💡 The insight

Carbon credits and trading are practical tools for quantifying and managing emissions at corporate and national levels, illustrating market-based accounting approaches.

Useful for policy and economy-linked questions: explains how emission reductions are quantified, traded, and used to meet targets; links to clean development mechanism and corporate compliance. Learn definitions, mechanism functioning, and critiques to answer policy-economy interlinked questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > carBon crEdIt. > p. 55
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Carbon market > p. 425
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Greenhouse Gas Protocol an international accounting tool for government a..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
💡 The insight

CDM is explicitly described in the references as a Kyoto mechanism that enables financing of GHG reduction projects in developing countries and awards credits.

High-yield for UPSC: CDM exemplifies international market mechanisms for climate action, links to technology transfer and sustainable development, and is frequently asked in questions on Kyoto/UNFCCC instruments. Study official descriptions, objectives, and examples of projects; compare CDM with other mechanisms (JI, IET).

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Clean Developrnent Mechanism (CDM) > p. 425
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > 24.,.2, The objectives of Kyoto mechanisms: > p. 325
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Greenhouse Gas Protocol an initiative of the United Nations that offers f..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Kyoto Protocol & Market Mechanisms
💡 The insight

The references describe the Kyoto Protocol as the treaty establishing binding targets for developed countries and enumerating market mechanisms (CDM, JI, IET).

Crucial for UPSC: understanding Kyoto's legal status, who has commitments, and its mechanisms is essential for questions on global climate governance and negotiations. Relate Kyoto to UNFCCC and subsequent agreements (Paris), and practice mapping mechanisms to their objectives and actors.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > Amendment of the Kyoto Protocol > p. 329
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > 1997 > p. 322
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Greenhouse Gas Protocol an initiative of the United Nations that offers f..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) & exemptions for developing countries
💡 The insight

References note that developing countries were exempted from Kyoto targets and that per-capita emissions informed differentiated obligations under the UN framework.

Core doctrinal concept in climate diplomacy and UPSC essays/GS papers: explains differential obligations, influences negotiation stances of India/China, and connects to equity, development, and mitigation finance debates. Master by linking principles to treaty provisions and contemporary negotiating positions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Environment and Natural Resources > Common but Differentiated Responsibilities > p. 87
  • Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Environment and Natural Resources > SACRED GROVES IN INDIA > p. 89
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Greenhouse Gas Protocol an initiative of the United Nations that offers f..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Kyoto Protocol and QELROs (legally binding emission targets)
💡 The insight

The references repeatedly describe the Kyoto Protocol as the binding international instrument that set quantified emission limitation and reduction commitments (QELROs) for developed countries.

High-yield: UPSC often asks differences between international climate instruments (binding vs non‑binding, who has targets). Understanding Kyoto's QELROs clarifies which agreements impose legal reduction targets, their timelines, and market mechanisms (CDM, JI, IET). Study by comparing Kyoto provisions with later instruments (Paris, Kigali) and practice answer-writing on treaty obligations and timelines.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > 24.2. KYOTO PROTOCOL: COp-3. > p. 324
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Quantified Emissions Lirnitation and Reduction Commitments (QELROs) > p. 427
  • FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 11: World Climate and Climate Change > Greenhouse Gases(GHGs) > p. 96
🔗 Anchor: "Is the Greenhouse Gas Protocol an inter-governmental agreement ratified by all U..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions. Since the GHG Protocol is the accounting standard, the next logical question is on its components. Scope 1 (Direct emissions), Scope 2 (Purchased electricity), Scope 3 (Supply chain/Value chain). Also, look out for 'WRI' (World Resources Institute) in future options.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'City Name' Heuristic vs. The 'All' Trap. 1) UN Protocols are almost always named after cities (Kyoto, Montreal, Nagoya, Cartagena). A functional name like 'Greenhouse Gas Protocol' suggests a technical manual, not a diplomatic treaty. 2) Option C says 'ratified by ALL member countries'—in international diplomacy, 'ALL' is a red flag (universal ratification is rare and takes decades).

🔗 Mains Connection

Connects to GS-3 (Environment) and Corporate Governance (GS-4/Economy). The GHG Protocol is the foundation for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting and SEBI's BRSR (Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report) framework in India.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CDS-I · 2019 · Q48 Relevance score: 0.00

The 'Kyoto Protocol' is an international treaty that commits State parties to reduction in

CDS-I · 2005 · Q116 Relevance score: -1.26

What is the main issue that is addressed to by the Kyoto Protocol which came into force recently ?

NDA-I · 2011 · Q85 Relevance score: -1.41

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), a mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas emission as per Kyoto Protocol implies that :

IAS · 2005 · Q121 Relevance score: -1.45

Consider the following statements: 1. Kyoto Protocol came into force in the year 2005. 2. Kyoto Protocol deals primarily with the depletion of the Ozone layer. 3. Methane as a greenhouse gas is more harmful than carbon dioxide. Which of the statements is/are correct?