Environmental Studies · General Awareness

International Environmental Treaties

1,935 Questions

International environmental treaties are critical agreements governing global sustainability, waste management, and climate change protocols. These topics are essential components of the general awareness syllabus for UPSC, banking, and SSC exams. Practice these questions to master global conventions.

Paris and Kyoto protocolsOzone layer treatiesHazardous waste agreementsOuter space treatiesCSR sustainability reporting

International Environmental Treaties Questions

Multiple choice general knowledge

World leaders are aiming to create a new agreement to replace the 1997 kyoto protocol,which expires in 2012. Where is this summit to be held and what is it called?

  1. Maldives, Maldives Climate Summit

  2. Copenhagen, Copenhagen Climate summit

  3. Kyoto, Kyoto Summit 2009

  4. New Delhi, Delhi Climate Meet
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Copenhagen Climate Summit (COP15) was held in Copenhagen in December 2009 to negotiate a new climate agreement as the Kyoto Protocol's first commitment period was ending in 2012. While it didn't produce a legally binding treaty, it was indeed the major international summit aimed at creating a successor to Kyoto. The Maldives, Kyoto itself, and New Delhi were not the host cities for this particular summit.

Multiple choice general knowledge

what is Kyoto Protocol?

  1. Its an international agreement between 182 Parties of the UNFCCC.

  2. The international agreement between G8 countries held in December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan.

  3. Recently formulated and discussions going in Copenhagen summit for Climate change.

  4. Proposal given by India and China in Copenhagen summit for Climate change.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty that commits state parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the scientific consensus that global warming is occurring. It was adopted in 1997 and involves 192 parties (though the option says 182, it is the most accurate description provided).

Multiple choice general knowledge

The Copenhagen Climate Council was held to agree on a new climate treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol. Which one of the following countries was a non-party to the Kyoto Protocol

  1. USA

  2. India

  3. China

  4. Germany
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The United States signed the Kyoto Protocol in 1998 but never ratified it, making it a non-party. The US Senate had passed the Byrd-Hagel Resolution反对 the protocol unless developing countries also committed to emissions reductions. India, China, and Germany were all parties to the protocol.

Multiple choice general knowledge

Wetlands are very rich and diverse ecosystems. Of the wetlands of international importance in the world, a large number are subject to moderate or high threat. Which convention signed in Iran protects this specific ecosystem (wetlands) on a global basis?

  1. The Vienna Convention

  2. The Ramsar Convention

  3. The Basel Convention

  4. Non of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It protects wetlands recognized as being of international importance under the 'Ramsar List.' The Vienna Convention deals with ozone layer protection, the Basel Convention addresses hazardous waste transboundary movement, and neither is relevant to wetland conservation.

Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

Which landmark global conference was the FIRST major step towards a global agreement on greenhouse gas emissions reduction and the first to recognize the atmosphere as a natural resource?

  1. The Vienna Convention in 1985

  2. The Montreal Protocol in 1987

  3. The 'Earth Summit' in Rio in 1992

  4. The Florida Summit in 1990
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The 1992 Rio Earth Summit (UN Conference on Environment and Development) was the first major global conference to establish the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), representing the first step toward coordinated greenhouse gas reduction. The Vienna Convention (1985) and Montreal Protocol (1987) addressed ozone depletion, not climate change.

Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

India would phase out the production and consumption of the controlled ODS (ozone-depleting substances) within the time frame and limits specified in the

  1. Vienna Convention

  2. Basel Convention

  3. Montreal Protocol

  4. Agenda 21
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Montreal Protocol (1987) is the international treaty that phases out ozone-depleting substances like CFCs and HCFCs. India ratified this protocol and committed to phase-out schedules. The Vienna Convention (1985) provided the framework but doesn't set phase-out limits. Basel Convention addresses hazardous waste trade, while Agenda 21 covers sustainable development broadly.

Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

India would phase out the production and consumption of the controlled ODS (ozone-depleting substances) within the time frame and limits specified in the

  1. Vienna Convention

  2. Basel Convention

  3. Montreal Protocol

  4. Kyoto Protocol
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Montreal Protocol is the international treaty that specifically phases out ozone-depleting substances (ODs) like CFCs with binding time limits and reduction targets. The Vienna Convention provides the framework but does not contain phase-out schedules. The Basel Convention deals with hazardous waste management, while the Kyoto Protocol targets greenhouse gas emissions.

Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

What is the goal of Kyoto Protocol

  1. Check on ozone layer depletion

  2. Protecting endangered species

  3. Encouraging the production of green technologies

  4. Binding nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Kyoto Protocol's primary goal is to legally bind developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (specifically CO2, methane, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, and SF6) by setting binding targets. It does not address ozone layer depletion (that's the Montreal Protocol) or endangered species protection. While it encourages green technologies indirectly, its core mechanism is binding emission reduction commitments.

Multiple choice general knowledge

The European Union signed on to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as a single party, and is therefore considered to be one of the world’s top greenhouse gas emitters. Which of the following are currently the world’s top five greenhouse gas emitters?

  1. United States, China, European Union, Russia and India

  2. United States, China, European Union, Russia and Japan

  3. United States, Mexico, European Union, China and India

  4. United States, Brazil, European Union, Russia and Canada
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The world's top five greenhouse gas emitters are consistently China, the United States, the European Union, Russia, and India (in varying orders). India ranks 5th but emissions are growing rapidly. Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and Canada are not in the top five.

Multiple choice general knowledge history

Regarding 'Kyoto Protocol', which entered into force in 2005, which one the following is true?

  1. Less than 100 countries have signed and ratified the protocol

  2. It is an agreement to reduce usage of substances that deplete ozone layer causing increased UV rays to come into earth

  3. It is an agreement to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% from 1990 level

  4. It is an act passed in the Indian Parliament in 2005 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Kyoto Protocol was an international treaty that committed participating countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% from 1990 levels during the 2008-2012 period. Over 180 countries ratified it, making option A false. Option B describes the Montreal Protocol (ozone layer), and option D is incorrect as it was a UN agreement, not an Indian act.

Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

One of the following is an international agreement which works to reduce or control substances that deplete Ozone layer. What is it?

  1. Kyoto Protocol, 1997

  2. Montreal Protocol, 1987

  3. Basel Convention, 1989

  4. Ramsar Convention 1971
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Montreal Protocol (1987) is the international treaty specifically designed to phase out ozone-depleting substances like CFCs. Kyoto Protocol (1997) targets greenhouse gases, Basel Convention (1989) controls hazardous waste transport, and Ramsar Convention (1971) protects wetlands. Montreal Protocol is considered the most successful environmental treaty. This is standard environmental GK.

Multiple choice

With which of the following subjects does the Stockholm Convention deal?

  1. Ozone depletion

  2. Marine pollution

  3. Organic pollutants

  4. Genetic pollution
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is an international environmental treaty, signed in 2001 and effective from May 2004, that aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).