Which international agreement did the United States fail to sign in 1997?

The Kyoto Protocol is the international agreement that the United States did not sign in 1997. This treaty aimed to combat climate change and its effects by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It set binding obligations on developed countries to reduce their emissions, recognizing that developed nations were historically responsible for the majority of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

The decision by the U.S. not to sign the Kyoto Protocol was based on concerns about its potential economic impact and the exclusion of developing countries from binding commitments. Proponents of the Protocol argued for its importance in addressing global warming, while critics cited the need for a balanced approach that considers the economic ramifications and equitable responsibilities among nations.

The other options correspond to different agreements: the Montreal Protocol focuses on substances that deplete the ozone layer, CITES is about the protection of endangered species, and CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act) is a U.S. federal law related to the cleanup of hazardous waste sites, none of which relate to the climate change discussions encapsulated in the Kyoto Protocol.