Why this matters now
These conventions are a Prelims staple (match convention → subject), and they recur in current affairs (COP meetings, new protocols). Know what each one addresses.
Milestone summits
The Stockholm Conference (1972) was the first global environment summit (leading to UNEP). The Rio Earth Summit (1992) produced three landmark conventions — the UNFCCC (climate), the CBD (biodiversity) and the UNCCD (desertification) — plus Agenda 21.
Key conventions
| Convention | Subject |
|---|---|
| Ramsar (1971) | Conservation of wetlands |
| CITES (1973) | Regulating international trade in endangered species |
| Montreal Protocol (1987) | Phasing out ozone-depleting substances |
| Basel (1989) | Control of trans-boundary movement of hazardous waste |
| CBD (1992) | Biodiversity (Cartagena & Nagoya Protocols) |
| Stockholm Convention (2001) | Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) |
| Minamata (2013) | Reducing mercury pollution |
The Montreal Protocol — a success story
The Montreal Protocol is often cited as the most successful environmental treaty — its near-universal phase-out of CFCs is healing the ozone layer. Its Kigali Amendment now targets HFCs (potent greenhouse gases), linking ozone protection to climate action.
UPSC angle
Match convention → subject (Ramsar-wetlands, CITES-species trade, Montreal-ozone, Basel-hazardous waste, Stockholm-POPs, Minamata-mercury). Rio 1992 birthed UNFCCC/CBD/UNCCD.
Frequently asked questions
What did the Rio Earth Summit (1992) produce?
Three landmark conventions — the UNFCCC (climate), the CBD (biodiversity) and the UNCCD (desertification) — plus Agenda 21.
What is the CITES convention?
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which regulates the international trade in threatened plants and animals.
What does the Montreal Protocol address?
The phase-out of ozone-depleting substances like CFCs; its Kigali Amendment also targets HFCs.
What does the Minamata Convention deal with?
Reducing pollution and emissions from mercury.