Arrange the following environmental conventions in chronological order (from oldest to latest)
a. Stockholm Convention
b. Montreal Protocol
c. Kyoto Protocol
d. Basel Convention

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JKSSB JE (Civil) Official Paper (Held On: 19 Nov, 2023)

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Answer 1

Explanation:

Montreal Protocol (1987)

Basel Convention (1989)

Controls transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal.
Prevents developed countries from dumping hazardous waste in developing countries.

Kyoto Protocol (1997, came into force in 2005)

Stockholm Convention (2001)

Focuses on eliminating or reducing the release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
POPs are chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods.

Additional Information

1. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) — 1992 (Rio Earth Summit)

Established a global framework to combat climate change.
Focuses on stabilizing greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system.
It is non-binding but sets the stage for legally binding agreements (like Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement).
Recognizes the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities — developed nations should take the lead in reducing emissions.
Led to annual Conferences of the Parties (COP) — the primary international meeting on climate change.

2. Paris Agreement — 2015

Successor to Kyoto Protocol under the UNFCCC framework.
Aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
Unlike Kyoto, it involves both developed and developing countries — global participation.
Countries submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) — voluntary targets to cut GHG emissions.
Encourages adaptation, climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building.
Seen as a landmark global effort toward combating climate change.