Q.1 Which international agreement was the first to address greenhouse gas emissions?
Paris Agreement
Kyoto Protocol
Montreal Protocol
Stockholm Declaration
Explanation - The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, was the first treaty that set legally binding obligations on developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Correct answer is: Kyoto Protocol
Q.2 What is the main focus of the Paris Agreement?
Ozone layer protection
Nuclear disarmament
Limiting global warming
Reducing plastic waste
Explanation - The Paris Agreement (2015) aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
Correct answer is: Limiting global warming
Q.3 Which of the following is a major challenge in international environmental agreements?
Lack of scientific data
Enforcement and compliance
Absence of NGOs
Too much funding
Explanation - While agreements exist, ensuring that states comply and enforce commitments remains a key challenge in international environmental politics.
Correct answer is: Enforcement and compliance
Q.4 The Rio Earth Summit of 1992 produced which key document?
Agenda 21
Kyoto Protocol
Paris Agreement
Basel Convention
Explanation - Agenda 21 is a comprehensive action plan adopted at the 1992 Rio Summit for sustainable development globally, nationally, and locally.
Correct answer is: Agenda 21
Q.5 Which organization publishes the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports?
UNEP and WMO
UNESCO and WHO
UNDP and IMF
World Bank
Explanation - The IPCC was established in 1988 by UNEP and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to assess climate science.
Correct answer is: UNEP and WMO
Q.6 Which concept refers to states working together on environmental issues across borders?
Sovereignty
Multilateralism
Isolationism
Realism
Explanation - Multilateralism emphasizes cooperation among multiple countries to address global issues such as climate change.
Correct answer is: Multilateralism
Q.7 Which international treaty successfully reduced the use of ozone-depleting substances?
Montreal Protocol
Basel Convention
Paris Agreement
Kyoto Protocol
Explanation - The Montreal Protocol (1987) successfully phased out CFCs and is considered one of the most effective environmental agreements.
Correct answer is: Montreal Protocol
Q.8 What does the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities' mean?
All states are equally responsible
Only developed countries are responsible
Responsibilities differ by historical contribution and capacity
Developing countries are exempt from all obligations
Explanation - This principle recognizes that developed countries have historically contributed more to environmental degradation and should bear greater responsibility.
Correct answer is: Responsibilities differ by historical contribution and capacity
Q.9 Which UN agency primarily deals with global environmental issues?
UNDP
UNEP
UNESCO
UNHCR
Explanation - The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) leads global efforts on environmental protection and sustainability.
Correct answer is: UNEP
Q.10 Which summit led to the establishment of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)?
Stockholm Conference 1972
Rio Earth Summit 1992
Kyoto Summit 1997
Paris Summit 2015
Explanation - The UNFCCC was created at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 to address climate change collectively.
Correct answer is: Rio Earth Summit 1992
Q.11 What is the main function of the IPCC?
Negotiate treaties
Provide climate science assessments
Enforce compliance
Raise environmental funds
Explanation - The IPCC provides scientific assessments of climate change to guide policymakers but does not negotiate or enforce policies.
Correct answer is: Provide climate science assessments
Q.12 Which of these is an example of an environmental security issue?
Cyber warfare
Deforestation
Nuclear weapons
Trade disputes
Explanation - Environmental security links ecological issues like deforestation to human and state security challenges.
Correct answer is: Deforestation
Q.13 Which global financial institution funds climate adaptation projects?
World Bank
IMF
WTO
UNHCR
Explanation - The World Bank finances climate adaptation and mitigation projects, especially in developing countries.
Correct answer is: World Bank
Q.14 What was the main achievement of the Stockholm Conference of 1972?
Creation of UNEP
Signing of Paris Agreement
Ban on nuclear tests
Formation of WTO
Explanation - The Stockholm Conference (1972) was the first major environmental conference, leading to the creation of UNEP.
Correct answer is: Creation of UNEP
Q.15 Which type of pollution is addressed by the Basel Convention?
Marine pollution
Hazardous waste
Air pollution
Nuclear radiation
Explanation - The Basel Convention (1989) regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous waste and its disposal.
Correct answer is: Hazardous waste
Q.16 What is the main criticism of climate negotiations?
Too few meetings
Slow progress and weak commitments
Excessive enforcement
Lack of media coverage
Explanation - Critics argue that negotiations often result in vague or non-binding commitments, delaying effective climate action.
Correct answer is: Slow progress and weak commitments
Q.17 Which country is the largest historical emitter of greenhouse gases?
India
China
United States
Russia
Explanation - The United States has historically emitted the most greenhouse gases, though China currently leads annual emissions.
Correct answer is: United States
Q.18 Which concept links environmental degradation to potential conflicts?
Environmental peacebuilding
Resource scarcity
Sustainable development
Ecological modernization
Explanation - Resource scarcity, such as water shortages, can contribute to conflicts between states or communities.
Correct answer is: Resource scarcity
Q.19 Which mechanism was introduced under the Kyoto Protocol to allow emissions trading?
Carbon credits
Ozone permits
Green bonds
Clean oceans fund
Explanation - The Kyoto Protocol introduced carbon credits as part of its flexible mechanisms to help states meet emission targets.
Correct answer is: Carbon credits
Q.20 Which is an example of a transboundary environmental issue?
Local deforestation
Household waste
Acid rain
Urban traffic
Explanation - Acid rain can cross borders through atmospheric circulation, making it a transboundary environmental issue.
Correct answer is: Acid rain
Q.21 What is the primary aim of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?
Reduce carbon emissions
Protect biodiversity
Ban plastic waste
Stop overfishing
Explanation - The CBD, signed in 1992, focuses on conserving biodiversity, sustainable use, and fair benefit-sharing.
Correct answer is: Protect biodiversity
Q.22 What does the term 'climate refugees' refer to?
People displaced by war
People displaced by environmental changes
People migrating for jobs
Illegal immigrants
Explanation - Climate refugees are people forced to leave their homes due to environmental factors like rising sea levels or droughts.
Correct answer is: People displaced by environmental changes
Q.23 Which agreement addresses marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions?
UNCLOS
Paris Agreement
Montreal Protocol
Kyoto Protocol
Explanation - The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) governs marine biodiversity and resources beyond national boundaries.
Correct answer is: UNCLOS
Q.24 Which type of international law governs environmental treaties?
Humanitarian law
Customary law
International environmental law
Trade law
Explanation - Environmental treaties form part of international environmental law, governing state responsibilities and cooperation.
Correct answer is: International environmental law
Q.25 Which global event inspired the idea of sustainable development?
Kyoto Summit 1997
Rio Earth Summit 1992
Stockholm Conference 1972
Brundtland Report 1987
Explanation - The Brundtland Report (1987) introduced the modern concept of sustainable development, balancing environment and economy.
Correct answer is: Brundtland Report 1987