26th September 2020. Static Quiz on Environment

Correct Answer : B
Learning: As an environmental treaty under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme, CMS provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats.
CMS brings together the States through which migratory animals pass, the Range States, and lays the legal foundation for internationally coordinated conservation measures throughout a migratory range. It also coordinates with NGOs and other non-state actors.
Migratory species threatened with extinction are listed on Appendix I of the Convention.

Correct Answer : A
Answer Justification :
Learning: They are grouped under five strategic goals: Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society. Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use.
Improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity. Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services. Enhance implementation through participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building.
The above information comes from the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD Secretariat) (2014).

Correct Answer : A
Answer Justification :
Learning: It is also known as International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL Convention). It is the main international convention that deals with this subject. It was adopted in 1973 and entered into force in 1983. Its biodiversity relevance stems from the highly detrimental effect that pollution can have on marine organisms, therefore by preventing the pollution of the sea the Convention contributes towards the maintenance of marine biodiversity.

Correct Answer : A
Answer Justification :
Learning: The Nagoya Protocol on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilisation is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity, which provides a transparent legal framework for the effective implementation of one of the three objectives of the CBD: the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The ABS Clearing-House is a key tool for facilitating the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol, by enhancing legal certainty and transparency on procedures for access and benefit-sharing, and for monitoring the utilization of genetic resources along the value chain, including through the internationally recognized certificate of compliance.

Correct Answer : D
Answer Justification :Justification: CO is not a greenhouse gas, so not covered under Kyoto protocol. Other gases that were covered are: Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs); Perfluorocarbons (PFCs); and Carbon dioxide (CO2); During the first commitment period, 37 industrialized countries and the European Community committed to reduce GHG emissions to an average of five percent against 1990 levels. During the second commitment period, Parties committed to reduce GHG emissions by at least 18 percent below 1990 levels in the eight-year period from 2013 to 2020; however, the composition of Parties in the second commitment period is different from the first.

Correct Answer : C
Answer Justification :
Learning: It is a part of UNFCCC and refers to Article 6 of the Convention’s original text (1992), focusing on six priority areas: education, training, public awareness, public participation, public access to information, and international cooperation on these issues. The implementation of all six areas has been identified as the pivotal factor for everyone to understand and participate in solving the complex challenges presented by climate change. ACE calls on governments to develop and implement educational and public awareness programmes, train scientific, technical and managerial personnel, foster access to information, and promote public participation in addressing climate change and its effects. It also urges countries to cooperate in this process, by exchanging good practices and lessons learned, and strengthening national institutions.

Correct Answer : C
Answer Justification :
Justification: Statement 1: The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a multilateral environmental agreement that addresses specific human activities which are contributing to widespread mercury pollution and eventually reduce its harmful effects.
Statement 2: These are the obligations on Parties of Convention: Ban on new mercury mine and the phase-out of existing ones
Phase out and phase down of mercury use in a number of products and processes Control measures on emissions to air and on releases to land and water Regulation of the informal sector of artisanal and small-scale gold mining etc.
In return, parties get enhanced assistance to tackle these issues

Correct Answer : D
Answer Justification :
Learning: The Bali Road Map was adopted at the 13th Conference of the Parties and the 3rd Meeting of the Parties in 2007 in Bali. The Road Map is a set of a forward-looking decisions that represent the work that needs to be done under various negotiating “tracks” that is essential to reaching a secure climate future. The Bali Road Map includes the Bali Action Plan, which charts the course for a new negotiating process designed to tackle climate change.

Correct Answer : B
Answer Justification :
Learning: Formally called the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade), it is a multilateral treaty to promote shared responsibilities in relation to importation of hazardous chemicals.
The convention promotes open exchange of information and calls on exporters of hazardous chemicals to use proper labeling, include directions on safe handling, and inform purchasers of any known restrictions or bans. Signatory nations can decide whether to allow or ban the importation of chemicals listed in the treaty, and exporting countries are obliged to make sure that producers within their jurisdiction comply.

Correct Answer : A
Answer Justification :
Learning: The Convention was signed in 1979 in Bad Godesberg, a suburb of Bonn (hence also the name Bonn Convention), and entered into force in 1983.
CMS and its daughter agreements determine policy and provide further guidance on specific issues through their Strategic Plans, Action Plans, resolutions, decisions and guidelines.
CMS acts as a framework Convention. The Agreements may range from legally binding treaties (called Agreements) to less formal instruments, such as Memoranda of Understanding.
Several Agreements have been concluded to date under the auspices of CMS such as ‘Raptor MoU’ for conservation in Africa and Eurasia.