UPSC Prelims 2010 Q56: Environment & Ecology – International Environmental Treaties & Summits
- (a) United Nations’ Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm, 1972
- (b) UN Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 1992
- (c) World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, 2002
- (d) UN Climate Change Conference, Copenhagen, 2009
Answer: (b) UN Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 1992
Explanation
Where the UNFCCC was adopted
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the foundational treaty for international climate negotiations.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Stockholm Conference, 1972 | Incorrect | This was the first major global environmental conference, but it predates the UNFCCC by two decades |
| (b) Rio de Janeiro, 1992 (Earth Summit) | Correct | The UNFCCC was opened for signature at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit (UNCED), becoming the foundational climate treaty |
| (c) Johannesburg, 2002 | Incorrect | This World Summit on Sustainable Development came a decade after the UNFCCC was already adopted |
| (d) Copenhagen, 2009 | Incorrect | This was a later UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP15), not the treaty's origin |
UNFCCC facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Adopted at | Rio Earth Summit, 1992 |
| Entered into force | 1994 |
| Significance | Foundational treaty, later giving rise to the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement |
Answer: (b) UN Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 1992.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The 1972 Stockholm Conference predates the UNFCCC by two decades.
- (b) CORRECT. The UNFCCC was adopted at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the foundational moment for international climate treaties.
- (c) Incorrect. Johannesburg (2002) came a decade after the UNFCCC's adoption.
- (d) Incorrect. Copenhagen (2009) was a later Conference of Parties meeting, not the treaty's origin.
Key point
The UNFCCC was adopted/opened for signature at the 1992 Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit (UNCED) — not at Stockholm (1972), Johannesburg (2002), or Copenhagen (2009), which came before or after.
Remember
UNFCCC: adopted at the 1992 Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit (UN Conference on Environment and Development).
Common mistakes
- Confusing the UNFCCC's 1992 Rio origin with the earlier 1972 Stockholm Conference.
- Mistaking a later COP meeting (like Copenhagen 2009) for the treaty's founding event.
- Not distinguishing the UNFCCC from related but distinct summits like Johannesburg's WSSD.
Exam tip
UNFCCC = born at Rio, 1992 (Earth Summit). Stockholm (1972) was earlier/environmental; Johannesburg (2002) and Copenhagen (2009) came later.
Sources
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992)
- Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India — India's Initial National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (2004)