UPSC Prelims 2018 Q83: Environment & Ecology – International Environmental Treaties & Summits
- (a) The Earth Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, Johannesburg
- (b) The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro
- (c) The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2015, Paris
- (d) The World Sustainable Development Summit 2016, New Delhi
Answer: (b) The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro
Explanation
Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE)
PAGE was launched in 2013 by five UN agencies (UNEP, ILO, UNDP, UNIDO, UNITAR) in response to the outcome document 'The Future We Want' adopted at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in Rio de Janeiro, June 2012.
| Option | Correct? | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Earth Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, Johannesburg | NO | This was WSSD 2002; PAGE emerged from Rio+20 (2012), not Johannesburg. |
| (b) United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro | YES | Rio+20 outcome 'The Future We Want' triggered PAGE (formally launched 2013). |
| (c) UNFCCC 2015, Paris | NO | Paris was climate-specific (Paris Agreement), not the green economy transition. |
| (d) World Sustainable Development Summit 2016, New Delhi | NO | TERI's Delhi Summit did not launch PAGE. |
Answer: (b) The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Johannesburg 2002 was the WSSD focused on implementation of Agenda 21; PAGE came a decade later from Rio+20.
- (b) CORRECT. PAGE emerged from the Rio+20 outcome 'The Future We Want' (June 2012), and was formally launched in 2013.
- (c) Incorrect. UNFCCC Paris (2015) produced the Paris Agreement on climate change, not the PAGE initiative.
- (d) Incorrect. TERI's World Sustainable Development Summit (2016 Delhi) is a separate annual event, not the origin of PAGE.
Key point
PAGE = 5-agency UN initiative (UNEP, ILO, UNDP, UNIDO, UNITAR) launched 2013. Emerged from Rio+20 (2012) outcome document 'The Future We Want'. Assists countries in transitioning to green, inclusive economies.
Remember
The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) emerged from the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) held at Rio de Janeiro in June 2012. Launched in 2013 by five UN agencies (UNEP, ILO, UNDP, UNIDO, UNITAR), PAGE assists countries in transitioning to greener and more inclusive economies.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Rio 1992 (original Earth Summit), WSSD Johannesburg 2002, and Rio+20 2012 - three distinct summits.
- Attributing PAGE to Paris Agreement 2015 - Paris was purely climate; PAGE is broader green economy.
- Missing the 5 partner agencies - UNEP + ILO + UNDP + UNIDO + UNITAR.
Exam tip
UN sustainability milestones: Stockholm 1972 (first environment conference), Rio 1992 (Earth Summit, UNFCCC/CBD/UNCCD), WSSD Johannesburg 2002, Rio+20 2012 (Future We Want, PAGE, SDG framework), 2030 Agenda + SDGs 2015, Paris Agreement 2015.
Sources
- United Nations Environment Programme — Towards a Green Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication (2011)
- Rio+20 Outcome Document - 'The Future We Want' (2012)