UPSC Prelims 2015 Q40: Environment & Ecology – International Environmental Treaties & Summits
Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use
of ozone - depleting substances?
- (a) Bretton Woods Conference
- (b) Montreal Protocol
- (c) Kyoto Protocol
- (d) Nagoya Protocol
Answer: (b) Montreal Protocol
Explanation
Control and phasing out of ozone-depleting substances
The Montreal Protocol (1987) is the treaty that phases out ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs and halons.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Parent treaty | Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985) |
| In force | 1989 |
| Ratified by | All UN member countries |
| Kigali Amendment (2016) | Adds the phase-down of HFCs, which are greenhouse gases |
The other options:
| Option | Subject |
|---|---|
| (a) Bretton Woods Conference (1944) | Set up the IMF and the World Bank |
| (c) Kyoto Protocol (1997) | Cuts in greenhouse gas emissions |
| (d) Nagoya Protocol (2010) | Access and benefit sharing of genetic resources |
Answer: (b) Montreal Protocol.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Bretton Woods Conference created the IMF and the World Bank.
- (b) CORRECT. The Montreal Protocol phases out ozone-depleting substances.
- (c) Incorrect. The Kyoto Protocol deals with greenhouse gases and climate change.
- (d) Incorrect. The Nagoya Protocol deals with genetic resources.
Key point
Montreal Protocol (1987, under the Vienna Convention): phases out CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances; Kigali Amendment (2016) covers HFCs.
Remember
Ozone = Vienna Convention + Montreal Protocol.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Montreal (ozone) with Kyoto (climate).
- Thinking HFCs deplete ozone; they are greenhouse gases added at Kigali.
- Forgetting the parent Vienna Convention of 1985.
Exam tip
Montreal = ozone. Kyoto = climate. Nagoya and Cartagena = biodiversity.
Sources
- UN Environment Programme, Ozone Secretariat — The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — Ozone Cell