In the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, how many greenhouse gases were covered for reducing their emissions?

Correct option is C

The first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol (2008-2012) aimed to reduce emissions of six greenhouse gases: Carbon dioxide (CO₂), Methane (CH₄), Nitrous oxide (N₂O), Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and Sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆). These gases were chosen based on their high global warming potential and long atmospheric lifetimes. Reducing emissions of these gases was essential to mitigate climate change, as they collectively trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
Information Booster: 1. The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997 and came into force in 2005 as the first global treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. The protocol set legally binding targets for developed countries to reduce emissions.
3. Six greenhouse gases were included in the treaty due to their contribution to the enhanced greenhouse effect.
4. The gases are measured in terms of their global warming potential (GWP), with CO₂ having a GWP of 1 and others having much higher values.
5. Flexibility mechanisms, such as carbon trading and joint implementation, were introduced to help countries meet their targets.
6. The first commitment period (2008-2012) marked an important step towards international climate policy, later followed by the Paris Agreement in 2015.
7. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the most abundant greenhouse gas emitted by human activities, particularly from burning fossil fuels.
8. Methane (CH₄) has a much higher warming potential than CO₂ but is less abundant.
9. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is mainly released from agricultural activities and industrial processes.
10. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are man-made gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning with a very high global warming potential.
11. Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and Sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) are also synthetic gases used in industries, with high global warming potentials.