International Environmental Framework

Nature-based solutions involve using natural processes to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, often needing dedicated financial support.

ADB launched the Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific to fund nature-based solutions for climate and environmental challenges in the region.

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement is crucial as it outlines international cooperation through both carbon markets and non-market approaches to help countries meet climate goals.

Statement I is correct: * Article 6 is widely discussed because it enables cooperation through market and non-market means to fight climate change.

Statement II is correct: * It defines rules for carbon markets, including carbon trading and credit mechanisms.

Statement III is correct: * It also promotes non-market tools like technology transfer and capacity building to reach climate targets.

So, the correct answer is: A

* The Nagoya Protocol is an international agreement that addresses the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources. It is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and specifically focuses on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their utilisation.

* Statement 1 is correct: In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) are indeed key to the realisation of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol. The Nagoya Protocol aims at sharing the benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources in a fair and equitable way. BMCs play a crucial role in this by ensuring that local communities have a say in the access to and use of these resources.

* Statement 2 is correct: The Biodiversity Management Committees also have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing. They have the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within their jurisdiction. This is part of their role in managing and conserving biodiversity, and ensuring that the benefits derived from the use of these resources are shared equitably.

Therefore, both statements are correct.

The correct statements about the New York Declaration on Forests are: 1. It was first endorsed at the United Nations Climate Summit in 2014. 2. It does endorse a global timeline to end the loss of forests, aiming for significant reduction by 2020 and ending deforestation by 2030. 4. It is endorsed by a multi-stakeholder group, including governments, companies (big and small), and indigenous communities.

Incorrect statements: 3. The New York Declaration on Forests is not a legally binding international declaration. It's a voluntary political declaration. 5. The Declaration is currently endorsed by over 190 entities but it is not endorsed by India.

Therefore, the correct answer is A. 1, 2, and 4.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat launched the Climate Neutral Now initiative in 2015 to encourage individuals, businesses, and governments to take voluntary action towards climate neutrality.

In 2016, the Secretariat introduced a new pillar under its "Momentum for Change" initiative, focusing on Climate Neutral Now as part of broader efforts to highlight and promote successful climate action worldwide.

Climate neutrality is a three-step process, which requires individuals, companies, and governments to: 1. Measure their climate footprint (greenhouse gas emissions). 2. Reduce emissions as much as possible through sustainable practices and efficiency improvements. 3. Offset unavoidable emissions using UN-certified emission reductions (CERs).

This initiative aligns with global efforts to meet the Paris Agreement goals, fostering greater accountability and proactive engagement in combating climate change.

Statement 1 is correct: Agenda 21 is a comprehensive global action plan adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Rio Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. It provides a framework for achieving sustainable development by integrating environmental protection, social equity, and economic growth at global, national, and local levels.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002, reviewed and reaffirmed the commitments made under Agenda 21 but did not introduce it. Instead, the summit focused on assessing progress, strengthening implementation, and launching new initiatives, including the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI).

In 1972, Countries met in Stockholm, Sweden, for the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, to consider the rights of the family to a healthy and productive environment.

In 1983, the United Nations created the World Commission on Environment and Development (later known as the Brundtland Commission), which defined sustainable development as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".

Statement 1 is incorrect. Colombia proposed the idea of the SDGs at a preparation event for Rio20 held in Indonesia in July 2011.

Statement 2 is correct. The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice. The consensus is that these SDGs have to be achieved by 2030.

The terms mentioned above are all related to the Kyoto Protocol. Here's a brief explanation of each term

Annex-I Countries: These countries have pledged to reduce their emissions by being a part of the Kyoto Protocol.The Cartagena Protocol is a separate international treaty on biosafety.

Certified Emissions Reductions: These are a type of carbon credit that is granted by the Kyoto Protocol for achieving emission reductions through a clean development mechanism project. The Nagoya Protocol is another international treaty focusing on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization.

Clean Development Mechanism: It is a mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol that allows developed countries to invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries as a way to earn emission reduction credits.

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was established in 1994 and is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.

Statement 1 is correct: The UNCCD aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships. It provides a framework for countries to work together to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Convention has a particular focus on Africa, not South Asia and North Africa. In fact, its full name is the 'United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa'. Furthermore, the Secretariat does not facilitate the allocation of the 'major portion' of financial resources; financial mobilization is primarily handled through the Global Mechanism and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Statement 3 is correct: The UNCCD is unique among the Rio Conventions for its commitment to a bottom-up approach. It emphasizes the participation of local communities, land users, and non-governmental organizations in the design and implementation of programmes to combat land degradation.

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) initiative was launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2002 to identify, safeguard, and promote traditional agricultural systems that have historical, cultural, environmental, and social significance. These systems demonstrate sustainable agricultural practices, rich biodiversity, and resilient rural livelihoods while maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The GIAHS program is not primarily aimed at increasing agricultural productivity through modern methods. Instead, it focuses on preserving traditional farming practices, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable land-use systems that have evolved over centuries. While some modern improvements might be integrated to support local livelihoods, the core emphasis is conservation, not productivity enhancement.

Statement 2 is correct: The primary goal of GIAHS is to identify and protect unique agricultural systems that are vital for global biodiversity, cultural heritage, and food security. This includes preserving traditional landscapes, indigenous crops, and local community knowledge, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While some GIAHS products might qualify for Geographical Indication status, it's not an automatic benefit. GI status is granted based on specific criteria related to a product's origin, traditional production techniques, and unique qualities, which require a separate legal recognition process. Hence, the correct answer is option B. 2 only.

The Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) were submitted by countries before the Paris Agreement (2015) as their initial climate action plans to combat climate change. These documents outlined how each country intended to contribute to global efforts in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapting to climate impacts.

These were preliminary pledges, meaning they were not legally binding commitments but rather expressions of intent.

Each country independently decided its contribution based on its capabilities, national circumstances, and priorities. Unlike top-down approaches in past climate treaties, INDCs followed a bottom-up approach.

The plans outlined specific measures countries intended to take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase renewable energy use, improve energy efficiency, and adapt to climate change impacts.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The agreement did not "go into effect in 2017." It was adopted in Dec 2015, signed in April 2016, and legally entered into force on November 4, 2016, after the "55/55" threshold (55 countries representing 55% of global emissions) was met.

Statement 2 is correct: This is the core "temperature goal" of the Paris Agreement: keeping the increase well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While the agreement acknowledges "Common But Differentiated Responsibilities" (CBDR), the financial commitment was $100 billion per year by 2020, not $1000 billion.

Statement 1 is Correct: The Green Climate Fund (GCF) was established to support developing countries in limiting or reducing their greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) and adapting to the impacts of climate change (adaptation). Statement 2 is Incorrect: The GCF was established by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) during the 2010 COP 16 in Cancun, Mexico. It is not founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, ADB, or the World Bank.

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international treaty adopted in 1987 to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. It mandates the gradual phase-out of the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons. It operates under the framework of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer.

- Bretton Woods Conference (1944): Led to the establishment of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. - Kyoto Protocol (1997): An international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming. - Nagoya Protocol (2010): A supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) focusing on access to genetic resources and fair benefit-sharing.

* The BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes (ISFL) is managed by the World Bank.

* The World Bank's Carbon Finance Unit handles the day-to-day operations of the BioCarbon Fund, which includes ISFL. * ISFL itself acknowledges the World Bank as the permanent trustee and a key supporter.

The Rio+20 Conference, formally known as the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD), was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2012. It marked the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit. The primary objectives were to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development and to assess progress and implementation gaps. The main outcome of the conference was the non-binding document titled 'The Future We Want,' which focused on poverty eradication and the transition to a green economy.

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture focuses on ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. This directly impacts biodiversity as it aims to protect the variety of plant species crucial for food security and ecosystem health.

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification addresses land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas. Desertification can significantly reduce biodiversity by destroying habitats and reducing plant and animal life. By working to combat desertification, this convention indirectly protects biodiversity.

The World Heritage Convention focuses on preserving cultural and natural heritage sites. Conservation natural heritage sites may contribute to biodiversity conservation. Thus 'D' is the correct answer.

Option A is Correct: The Global Environment Facility (GEF) serves as a financial mechanism for several major international environmental conventions, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Option B is Incorrect: The GEF is a financial organization that provides grants and funding for environmental projects; it is not a scientific research body. Scientific research and assessments are typically conducted by organizations like the IPCC or IPBES.

Option C is Incorrect: The GEF is an independent financial organization, not an agency under the OECD. It was established in 1991 and restructured after the 1992 Rio Earth Summit to serve as a mechanism for global environmental cooperation.

Option D is Incorrect: Since only statement A is correct, this option is false.