Choose the Correct Answer

Correct Answer : Option a

Explanation
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is one of the flexible mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol that allows developed countries (Annex I countries) to implement emission reduction or removal projects in developing countries. These projects generate Certified Emission Reductions (CERs), which can be traded and used to meet Kyoto Protocol emission reduction targets.

Option (a) is correct: Under Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) allows emission reduction or removal projects in developing countries to earn Certified Emission Reductions (CERs). These can be traded, sold, and used by industrialized countries to meet their Kyoto targets. The CDM promotes sustainable development and ensures real, measurable, and verifiable emission reductions through a strict approval process, overseen by the CDM Executive Board.

Option (b) is not correct: As per Article 17, countries with Kyoto commitments can acquire emission units from other committed nations through International Emissions Trading (IET). A transaction log ensures secure transfers. This differs from CDM and contributed to creating the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

Option (c) is not correct: Under Article 6, Joint Implementation (JI) allows industrialized countries (Annex I nations) to participate in emission reduction or removal projects in other committed nations. Unlike CDM, which applies to developing countries, JI is limited to industrialized ones.

Option (d) is not correct: According to Article 3, land-use changes like afforestation, reforestation, and deforestation since 1990 must be measured and verified as carbon stock changes for Kyoto commitments. These emissions and removals must be transparently reported under Articles 7 and 8, but this is not specific to CDM.