Describe the global efforts towards the protection of environment and natural resources.

Global environmental protection involves multilateral efforts—laws, treaties, protocols, and conventions—aimed at ensuring sustainable use of natural resources and safeguarding ecosystems.

Key Global Environmental Agreements and Initiatives:

1. United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (1972):
   1. Also known as the Stockholm Conference, it marked the beginning of global environmental diplomacy.
   1. Led to the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
2. World Commission on Environment and Development (1987):
   1. Published the Brundtland Report, introducing the concept of sustainable development—meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations.
3. Earth Summit (1992, Rio de Janeiro):
   1. Led to major frameworks:
      1. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
      1. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
      1. UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
   1. Introduced Agenda 21 for sustainable development.
4. Kyoto Protocol (1997):
   1. Set legally binding emission reduction targets for developed countries.
   1. Introduced mechanisms like Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
5. Paris Agreement (2015):
   1. A historic climate accord under the UNFCCC to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C.
   1. Emphasizes Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
6. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES):
   1. Regulates trade in endangered flora and fauna to prevent species extinction.
7. Montreal Protocol (1987):
   1. A successful treaty to phase out ozone-depleting substances.
   1. Helped reduce the ozone hole and is cited as a model for climate cooperation.
8. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, 2015–2030):
   1. SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) directly relate to environmental protection.
9. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC):
   1. Provides scientific assessments on climate change impacts and policy options.

Other Global Initiatives:

• REDD+ Program: Encourages forest conservation by offering incentives for reducing emissions from deforestation.
• Green Climate Fund (GCF): Supports developing countries in adaptation and mitigation efforts.
• Global Biodiversity Framework (Post-2020): Sets global biodiversity conservation targets under the CBD.

India’s Role in Global Environmental Governance:

• Active participant in UNFCCC, CBD, and UNCCD.
• Commitments include renewable energy targets, forest conservation, and lifestyle-based solutions through initiatives like LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
• Advocates climate equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.

Conclusion: Global efforts have evolved from awareness-building to legally binding instruments and funding mechanisms. While progress is uneven, multilateralism remains vital to tackling transboundary environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.