Earth Summit

•The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also

known as the 'Earth Summit', was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 3-14 June
1992.
•This global conference, held on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the first
Human Environment Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972.
•It brought together political leaders, diplomats, scientists, representatives of the
media and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from 179 countries for a
massive effort to focus on the impact of human socio-economic activities on the
environment.
•A 'Global Forum' of NGOs was also held in Rio de Janeiro at the same time,
bringing together an unprecedented number of NGO 2,400 representatives, who
presented their own vision of the world's future in relation to the environment and
socio-economic development.
•The Rio de Janeiro conference highlighted how different social, economic and
environmental factors are interdependent and evolve together, and how success in
one sector requires action in other sectors to be sustained over time.
•The primary objective of the Rio 'Earth Summit' was to produce a broad agenda
and a new blueprint for international action on environmental and development
issues that would help guide international cooperation and development policy
in the twenty-first century.
• The 'Earth Summit' concluded that the concept of sustainable development
was an attainable goal for all the people of the world, regardless of whether
they were at the local, national, regional or international level.
• It also recognized that -
 integrating and balancing economic, social and environmental concerns in
meeting our needs is vital for sustaining human life on the planet and that
such an integrated approach is possible.
 that integrating and balancing economic, social and environmental
dimensions required new perceptions of the way we produce and consume,
the way we live and work, and the way we make decisions.
• One of the major results of the UNCED Conference was Agenda 21, a daring
program of action calling for new strategies to invest in the future to achieve
overall sustainable development in the 21st century.
• The 'Earth Summit' had many great achievements: the Rio Declaration and
its 27 universal principles, the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention on Biological Diversity; and
the Declaration on the principles of forest management .
4. Earth Summit 2022 UNCBD – United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity
(Stockholm) UNFCCC - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
UNCCD - United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
 What is a UN Convention?

A UN Convention is a binding agreement between different

countries. Under such Conventions, nations adopt key goals at
annual Conferences of the Parties (COPs) and report
periodically on progress in implementing these goals. Each
Rio Convention has a supporting secretariat. A key task of the
secretariats is to organize annual COPs which are attended by
national delegations and numerous participants of observer
organizations, including from business and civil society. Other
key tasks are to help governments report data and to organize
technical workshops.
 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, 1992

• The Rio Declaration on environment and development was approved by

the United Nations during the Conference on Environment and
Development held in Rio de Janeiro on June 1992.It was aimed at
reaffirming the Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the
Human Environment, adopted at Stockholm on June 1972.

The Declaration adopted a set of principles to guide the future

development. These principles define the right of people to development,
and their responsibilities to safeguard the common environment.

The Rio Declaration states that the only way to have long term economic
progress is to link it with environmental protection. This will only happen if
nations establish a new and equitable global partnership involving
governments, their people and key sectors of societies. They must build
international agreements that protect the integrity of the global
environmental and the developmental system.
• Agenda 21 - Agenda 21 is a comprehensive plan of action to be
taken globally, nationally and locally by organizations of the
United Nations System, Governments, and Major Groups in every
area in which human impacts on the environment. It provided a
framework for governments, organizations, and communities to
work together to promote sustainable development in economic,
social, and environmental dimensions.
• Forest Principles: The non-legally binding Forest Principles, which
provided a framework for sustainable forest management, were
adopted at the summit. They emphasized the importance of
conserving forests and promoting reforestation and afforestation
efforts.
 UNFCCC
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) established
an international environmental treaty to combat "dangerous human interference with
the climate system", in part by stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the
atmosphere. It was signed by 154 states at the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development (UNCED), informally known as the Earth Summit, held
in Rio de Janeiro from 3 to 14 June 1992.
• Objective: The primary objective of the UNFCCC is to stabilize greenhouse gas
concentrations in the Earth's atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human
interference with the climate system. This overarching goal reflects the international
community's recognition of the need to address the adverse impacts of climate change.
• Principles: The convention is guided by several key principles, including the principle of
common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC). This
principle recognizes that while all countries have a shared responsibility to address
climate change, developed countries should take the lead in reducing emissions and
providing financial and technological support to developing countries.
• COP Meetings: The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the supreme governing body of
the UNFCCC. Parties meet annually at COP meetings to assess progress, negotiate
agreements, and make decisions on issues related to climate change. The first COP
meeting was held in Berlin in 1995, and subsequent meetings have been held around
the world.
 Kyoto Protocol
• One of the most significant outcomes of the UNFCCC process was the adoption
of the Kyoto Protocol at COP3 in 1997.
• The Kyoto Protocol was adopted on 11 December 1997. Owing to a complex
ratification process, it entered into force on 16 February 2005. Currently, there
are 192 Parties to the Kyoto Protocol.
• Its key role is to keep a check on industrialized countries and economies in
transition to limit and reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions in accordance
with agreed individual targets. The Convention itself only asks those countries
to adopt policies and measures on mitigation and to report periodically.
• The Kyoto Protocol is based on the principles and provisions of the Convention
and follows its annex-based structure. It only binds developed countries, and
places a heavier burden on them under the principle of because it recognizes
that they are largely responsible for the current high levels of GHG emissions in
the atmosphere.
• India signed the Kyoto Protocol on 26 August 2002.
 Montreal Protocol
• Adopted on 16 September 1987.
• It regulates the production and consumption of nearly 100 man-made chemicals
referred to as ozone depleting substances (ODS).
• The Montreal Protocol phases down the consumption and production of the different
ODS in a step-wise manner, with different timetables for developed and developing
countries (referred to as “Article 5 countries”).
• Developing and developed countries have equal but differentiated responsibilities,
but most importantly, both groups of countries have binding, time-targeted and
measurable commitments.
• The Protocol includes provisions related to Control Measures (Article 2), Calculation
of control levels (Article 3), Control of trade with non-Parties (Article 4), Special
situation of developing countries (Article 5), Reporting of data (Article 7), Non-
compliance (Article 8), Technical assistance (Article 10), as well as other topics.
• The substances controlled by the treaty are listed in Annexes A (CFCs, halons), B
(other fully halogenated CFCs, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform), C (HCFCs), E
(methyl bromide) and F (HFCs).
• The treaty evolves over time in light of new scientific, technical and economic
developments, and it continues to be amended and adjusted.. The Parties are
assisted by the Ozone Secretariat, which is based at UN Environment
Programme headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
 United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD)

• The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) is a United

Nations treaty that is responsible for the conservation of Biological Diversity
around the world.
• is a multilateral treaty opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio De
Janeiro in 1992. It is a key document regarding sustainable development. It
comes under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• 196 countries are a party to the CBD.
• India is also a party to the Convention. India ratified it in 1994.
– The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 was enacted for giving effect to the provisions of the
Convention.
– To implement the provisions of the Act, the government established the National
Biodiversity Authority (NBA) in 2003. The NBA is a statutory body.
• The convention is legally binding on its signatories.
• The Conference of Parties (COP) is the governing body of the convention. It
consists of the governments that have ratified the treaty.
The goals of the Convention are listed below:
• Conservation of Biological Diversity
• Sustainable use of the components of the Biodiversity
• Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the genetic resources
The idea of CBD is to develop national strategies for the conservation and
sustainable use of biological diversity. In order to implement that, the
convention does the following:
 Ramsar Convention

• Ramsar Convention is a convention on wetlands that was signed

in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar.
• The negotiations for the convention started in the 1960s by the
different countries and NGOs for the protection of wetlands and
their resources.
• Finally, it came into force in 1975. There are 42 Ramsar Sites in
India listed under Ramsar Convention.
• As of June 2021, there are 2422 wetlands in the list of wetlands
of international importance.
• World Wetlands Day – It was first celebrated in 1997. It is
celebrated each year on 2nd February to mark the anniversary of
the Ramsar Convention and promote its mission.
The convention works on three pillars that define the purpose of the Ramsar
Convention:
• Wise Use – To work towards the wise use of all wetlands
• List of Wetlands of International Importance – Designate suitable wetlands
under the Ramsar List to effectively manage those
• International Cooperation – To bring cooperation internationally over the
transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems and shared species.

India and Wetland Conservation

• Ramsar Convention entered into force in the country on 1st February 1981.
• India’s has 4.63% of the total geographical area labeled as Ramsar sites.
• Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 - The Ministry of
Environment, Forest & Climate Change released a set of guidelines in
January 2020 for implementation of the Wetland Rules 2017.
Chemical Weapons
 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)

• The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) is a multilateral arms control treaty

aimed at prohibiting the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical
weapons and their precursors.
• The convention was adopted on September 3, 1992, and entered into force
on April 29, 1997. It is administered by the Organisation for the Prohibition of
Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which is headquartered in The Hague,
Netherlands.
• The CWC establishes a rigorous verification regime, which includes the
obligation for member states to declare all chemical weapons-related
activities and facilities to the OPCW. Routine inspections and on-site visits are
conducted to verify compliance.
• The CWC establishes stringent controls on the transfer of toxic chemicals and
their precursors to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands and being
used for the production of chemical weapons.
• As of September 2021, it had 193 member states, making it one of the most
widely accepted arms control agreements in the world.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a specialized agency of the United
Nations (UN) responsible for coordinating international environmental activities and
promoting sustainable environmental practices worldwide. UNEP was established on
December 15, 1972, by the United Nations General Assembly during the Stockholm
Conference on the Human Environment, making it one of the oldest and most respected
international environmental organizations.
Key aspects and functions of UNEP:
• Mandate: UNEP's primary mandate is to provide leadership and encourage partnerships in
caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to
improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
• Global Environmental Authority: UNEP serves as the principal global authority on
environmental matters within the UN system. It acts as a catalyst for international
cooperation on environmental issues, facilitating collaboration among governments, the
private sector, civil society, and the scientific community.
• Research and Assessment: UNEP conducts research and assessments on various
environmental issues, including biodiversity loss, climate change, air and water quality, and
sustainable development. It publishes reports and provides data and information to inform
policy decisions.
• Conventions and Agreements: UNEP plays a crucial role in supporting and
facilitating the negotiation and implementation of international
environmental treaties and agreements. It administers several key
conventions, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the
Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous
Wastes and Their Disposal.
• Environmental Governance: UNEP promotes good governance practices
related to the environment. It encourages the development of policies,
legislation, and institutions that enhance environmental protection and
sustainable development.
• Climate Action: UNEP is actively involved in efforts to address climate
change. It supports the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) and its associated agreements, such as the Paris
Agreement, by providing technical expertise and facilitating negotiations.
• Ecosystem Management: UNEP places a strong emphasis on the
conservation and sustainable management of ecosystems, recognizing their
critical role in maintaining biodiversity and providing essential services to
people.
• Partnerships: UNEP collaborates with a wide range of partners,
including other UN agencies, governments, non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), the private sector, and academia, to address
complex environmental challenges collectively.
• Awareness and Advocacy: UNEP engages in awareness-raising and
advocacy campaigns to promote environmental sustainability and
educate the public about environmental issues. It sponsors events
like World Environment Day to raise awareness and encourage action.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): UNEP aligns its work with
the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). It plays a crucial role in helping countries
integrate environmental considerations into their development plans.
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

• India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

is a comprehensive strategy that outlines the country's
approach to addressing climate change and its
associated challenges. It was launched in 2008 and
consists of eight national missions, each focusing on a
specific aspect of climate change mitigation and
adaptation.
• The NAPCC reflects India's commitment to sustainable
development while addressing the urgent need to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance
resilience to the impacts of climate change.
The eight national missions under India's NAPCC are as follows:

• National Solar Mission: Also known as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, this
mission aims to promote the development and use of solar energy in India. It sets ambitious
targets for solar power generation capacity and aims to make solar power more affordable
and accessible.
• National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency: This mission focuses on improving energy
efficiency in industries, agriculture, and other sectors. It aims to reduce energy consumption
and greenhouse gas emissions by promoting energy-efficient technologies and practices.
• National Water Mission: The mission seeks to ensure the sustainable management of water
resources, improve water use efficiency, and enhance water security in India. It addresses
the impact of climate change on water availability and quality.
• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture: Recognizing the vulnerability of agriculture to
climate change, this mission promotes climate-resilient agricultural practices, improved soil
and water management, and sustainable crop production.
• National Mission on Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem: Given the critical role of the
Himalayan region in India's water resources and biodiversity, this mission focuses on
conserving and protecting this fragile ecosystem.
• National Mission for a Green India: Also known as the Green India
Mission, it aims to enhance forest and biodiversity conservation, restore
degraded ecosystems, and promote afforestation and reforestation efforts.
• National Mission for Sustainable Habitat: This mission addresses urban
and industrial sector emissions, energy efficiency in buildings, and the
promotion of sustainable urban planning and transportation.
• National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change: This
mission focuses on building India's knowledge and research capacity
related to climate change, including monitoring and modeling climate
trends.

• India has committed to reducing its emissions intensity (emissions per unit
of GDP) while pursuing sustainable development goals.
• NAPCC outlines a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change,
challenges remain in terms of implementation, funding, and coordination
among different government departments.
• Additionally, as climate change continues to evolve, there is a need for
periodic updates and adjustments to the NAPCC to reflect new knowledge
and changing circumstances.
While the NAPCC has made significant progress in various areas, there are some notable gaps
and challenges:
1. Implementation Challenges: One major issue has been the gap between policy and
implementation. While India has made commitments to reduce emissions and increase
renewable energy capacity, the actual implementation of these measures has faced
challenges related to funding, capacity building, and coordination among different
government agencies.
2. Renewable Energy: The National Solar Mission and the National Wind Mission are key
components of the NAPCC aimed at promoting renewable energy. While India has made
substantial progress in expanding its renewable energy capacity, there are still challenges
related to grid integration, intermittency, and financial viability that need to be addressed.
3. Energy Efficiency: The National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency aims to improve
energy efficiency in various sectors, but there is room for improvement in terms of
enforcement of energy efficiency standards and the adoption of energy-efficient
technologies in industries and households.
4. Agriculture: Agriculture is highly vulnerable to climate change, and the National Mission for
Sustainable Agriculture seeks to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices. However,
challenges remain in terms of educating farmers, providing them with access to technology
and credit, and ensuring the sustainable management of water resources.
5. Water Resources: The National Water Mission focuses on the efficient use of water
resources and water conservation. Climate change impacts on water availability and quality
remain significant challenges, and integrated water resource management needs to be
improved.
6. Forests and Biodiversity: India's National Mission for Green India aims to enhance forest and
biodiversity conservation. However, there are ongoing concerns about deforestation,
habitat loss, and wildlife conservation, which need more comprehensive attention.
7. Climate Adaptation: While the NAPCC does include some adaptation measures, there is a
need for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to address the impacts of
climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions and communities.
8. Funding: Adequate funding and financial mechanisms for implementing climate change
actions remain a challenge. Mobilizing domestic and international funds for climate
mitigation and adaptation projects is essential.
9. Data and Monitoring: There is a need for improved data collection and monitoring systems
to track progress, evaluate the impact of climate policies, and make informed decisions.
10. Public Awareness and Participation: Engaging the public and raising awareness about
climate change and its impacts is crucial for successful climate action. More efforts are
needed to involve communities, civil society, and the private sector in climate initiatives.
In summary, while India's National Action Plan on Climate Change has made significant strides
in addressing climate challenges, several gaps and challenges persist, including
implementation hurdles, funding constraints, and the need for more comprehensive and
coordinated approaches to adaptation and mitigation. Continued efforts and adjustments to
the plan are necessary to effectively tackle climate change in India.