Environmental Studies · General Awareness

International Environmental Treaties

1,803 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

The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance is also known as

  1. the Rio Convention

  2. the Ramsar Convention

  3. the Nagoya Convention

  4. the Cartagena Convention
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance: This Convention, also known as the Ramsar Convention, was signed in Ramsar (Iran) in 1971 and came into force in December 1975. It provides a framework for international cooperation for the conservation of wetland habitats which have been designated to the 'List of Wetlands of International Importance'.

Multiple choice

Kyoto Protocol was to

  1. prevent acid rain

  2. prevent pesticide over-application

  3. decrease water pollution

  4. reduce emission of greenhouse gases

  5. save major rivers from pollution
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Kyoto Protocol was to reduce emission of greenhouse gases.

Multiple choice

In which of the following Conferences of Parties (COPs) to the UNFCCC were the 'flexible mechanisms' of the Kyoto Protocol devised and adopted?

  1. COP-6, Bonn

  2. COP-7, Marrakech

  3. COP-8, New Delhi

  4. COP-9, Milan

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The 'flexible mechanisms' of the Kyoto Protocol were included for the first time in the COP-6, held in Bonn, Germany. (Hence, option '1' is correct.) Flexible mechanisms or Kyoto mechanisms refer to Emissions Trading, the Clean Development Mechanism and Joint Implementation.

Multiple choice

The Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer aims to limit the emission and utilisation of

  1. Dichloromethane
  2. CFCs
  3. HFCs

  1. 1 and 2 only

  2. 2 only

  3. 2 and 3 only

  4. 1, 2 and 3
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

All ozone depleting substances contain either chlorine or bromine (substances containing only fluorine do not harm the ozone layer). These include CFCs and HCFCs. HFCs replaced CFCs and HCFCs. HFCs pose no harm to the ozone layer because, unlike CFCs and HCFCs, they do not contain chlorine. The Montreal Protocol does not address HFCs. But HFCs cause global warming. Dichloromethane is a new entry among gases that depletes ozone layer, but at present, it has not been included under Montreal Protocol.

Multiple choice

Which of the given statements is/are correct in reference to International Conventions on Environment Safety?

Consider the following statements:

1. Nagoya protocol provides a legal framework on costing and sharing of benefits arising out of genetic resources.

2. Cartagena Protocol sets rules for genetic mutations and its commercial usage.

3. Copenhagen Accord under UNFCCC promotes sustainable development.

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Only 3

  4. All of the above

  5. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Nagoya protocol is based on genetic resources, Cartagena protocol is based on biosafety and Copenhagen Accord is based on reverse climate change.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is incorrect in reference to Aichi Biodiversity Target strategic plan for the period of 2011 to 2020?

  1. It improves the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversities.

  2. It addresses the underlying cause of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government bodies and societies.

  3. It reduces the rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national level.

  4. It reduces the direct pressures on biodiversity and promotes sustainable use.

  5. It enhances the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

This target was incorporated as a new target under the Millennium Development Goals by the World Summit on Sustainable Development and the United Nations General Assembly. In April 2002, the parties to the Convention committed themselves to achieve, by 2010, a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national level as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on Earth.

Multiple choice

Kyoto protocol refers to which of the following objectives of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change?

  1. Meeting the targets set out in the Marrakech Accords

  2. Reduction in emissions

  3. International water treaties

  4. International agreement on ozone depletion

  5. None of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Kyoto Protocol implemented the objective of the UNFCCC to fight global warming by reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere to a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. 

Multiple choice

Which of the following is incorrect in reference to Convention on Wetlands?

  1. A wetland should be considered internationally important if it regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds.

  2. WWF International works with Convention to develop new wetland sites.

  3. Criterion for identifying wetlands of international importance includes wetland-dependent non-avian animal species.

  4. Mangrove Jacks are found in abundance in Hope Island.

  5. Kanjli Wetland, Deepor Beel and East Godavari riverine are among the sites of this convention.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

Correct Answer: Kanjli Wetland, Deepor Beel and East Godavari riverine are among the sites of this convention.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is incorrect in reference to Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)?

  1. It is one of the largest and oldest conservation agreements in existence.

  2. It recognises the principle of sustainable use.

  3. It shares its mandate with that of GATT.

  4. MIKE is a programme of CITES.

  5. It is known as Washington Convention.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) is a multilateral agreement regulating international trade. Its mandates are limited to market access and non-discrimination.

Multiple choice

The main objective of Montreal Protocol signed act Montreal in 1987 was

  1. to control emission of acid rain causing substances

  2. to control emission of global warming causing substances

  3. to control emission of ozone depleting substances

  4. to control emission of oxygen depleting substances
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The main objective of Montreal Protocol was signed act Montreal in 1987, is to control emission of ozone depleting substances.

Multiple choice

Directions: Select the correct alternative from the given choices.

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is related to the

  1. Basel Treaty

  2. Maastricht Treaty

  3. Geneva Convention

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

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is a mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol that allows developed countries to invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries. It enables developed nations to meet their emission reduction targets while promoting sustainable development in poorer countries.

Multiple choice

Which of these is an international treaty that sets binding obligations on countries to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases?

  1. Working Environment

  2. Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty

  3. World People's Conference on Climate Change

  4. Montreal Protocol

  5. Kyoto Protocol
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty that sets binding obligations on industrialized countries to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

Multiple choice

Consider the following international agreements:

  1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
  2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
  3. The World Heritage Convention

Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?

  1. 1 and 2 only

  2. 3 only

  3. 1 and 3 only

  4. 1, 2, 3
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

One of the criteria in selecting the Natural World Heritage Sites is as follows: It is an outstanding example representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems, and communities of plants and animals’ Desertification, along with climate change and the loss of biodiversity, were identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. UNCCD is particularly committed to encouraging the participation of local people in combating desertification and land degradation. Since land, climate and biodiversity are intimately connected; UNCCD also has a bearing on Biodiversity in context to an integrated approach and the best possible use of natural resources.

Multiple choice

If a wetland of international importance is brought under the Montreux Record, what does it imply?

  1. Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference.

  2. The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland.

  3. The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed.

  4. It is given the status of a World Heritage Site.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference.