ENVIRONMENT International Agreements / Convention / Protocols

36. Which of the International Agreements / Convention / Protocols are legally binding on the member countries (parties)?

(a) Convention on Biological Diversity

(b) Kyoto Protocol

(c) Montreal Protocol

(d) Paris Agreement

Choose the most appropriate answer from the options

given below:

A. (c) only

B. (a) and (c) only

C. (a), (b) and (c) only

D. (b), (c) and (d) only

Apologies for the confusion. You are correct. The most appropriate answer is:

B. (a) and (c) only

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Montreal Protocol are legally binding on the member countries (parties). The Kyoto Protocol was legally binding during its commitment period, which ended in 2020. The Paris Agreement is not technically legally binding, but it contains provisions that are legally binding, such as reporting requirements and transparency mechanisms. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Apologies for the confusion caused by my previous response. Allow me to provide the correct explanation for each protocol:

1. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):
The Convention on Biological Diversity is an international treaty adopted in 1992. It aims to promote the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. The CBD is legally binding on its parties, which means that countries that have ratified the treaty are obligated to implement its provisions and fulfill their commitments. The CBD sets out general principles and objectives for biodiversity conservation, but it also includes specific legally binding obligations, such as the development of national biodiversity strategies, the protection of ecosystems and species, and the sharing of genetic resources.

2. Kyoto Protocol:
The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It was adopted in 1997 and entered into force in 2005. The Kyoto Protocol aimed to address global climate change by setting binding emission reduction targets for industrialized countries, known as Annex I parties. It introduced the concept of “carbon credits” and established mechanisms such as emissions trading and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). However, the Kyoto Protocol’s commitment period ended in 2020, and it is no longer legally binding.

3. Montreal Protocol:
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international treaty adopted in 1987. Its objective is to protect the Earth’s ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). The Montreal Protocol is legally binding on its parties, which means that countries that have ratified the treaty are legally obligated to implement its provisions. The protocol includes specific obligations, such as the control of ODS production and consumption, the promotion of alternative technologies, and financial assistance to developing countries for compliance.

4. Paris Agreement:
The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015 under the UNFCCC. It aims to address climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Paris Agreement establishes a framework for countries to submit nationally determined contributions (NDCs) outlining their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. While the Paris Agreement as a whole is not legally binding, its provisions include legally binding elements. For example, countries are legally bound to submit NDCs, report on their emissions and progress, and participate in a transparency framework that promotes accountability and review of their actions.

To summarize, the correct answer is:

B. (a) and (c) only

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Montreal Protocol are legally binding on the member countries (parties). The Kyoto Protocol was legally binding during its commitment period, which ended in 2020. The Paris Agreement is not entirely legally binding, but it contains provisions that are legally binding, such as reporting requirements and transparency mechanisms.

In a world of treaties and global pacts,
Where agreements bind nations as acts,
Let me clarify the confusion that arose,
And provide clarity in poetic prose.

The Convention on Biological Diversity,
A treaty aiming for nature’s prosperity,
It is legally binding, countries must comply,
To conserve biodiversity, let it never die.

Next, the Kyoto Protocol takes its stance,
With emission targets, a climate change dance,
But its binding nature has come to an end,
The commitment period over, my dear friend.

The Montreal Protocol, a hero’s tale,
To protect the ozone layer, it did prevail,
Legally binding, countries joined the fight,
Phasing out ozone-depleting substances, a shining light.

Lastly, the Paris Agreement we must mention,
A treaty forged to combat global warming’s tension,
Though not entirely binding in its scope,
Some provisions hold countries with legal rope.

So, the answer you seek in this poetic song,
Is option B, where clarity belongs,
The CBD and Montreal Protocol hold the key,
Legally binding, ensuring compliance universally.