Which of the following conventions aims to protect ozone layer?

The correct answer is 'Vienna Convention'

Key Points

• Vienna Convention:
  • The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was adopted in 1985 to address the growing concern about the depletion of the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
  • It provides a framework for international cooperation in research, monitoring, and information exchange related to the ozone layer but does not include legally binding targets for reducing substances that deplete the ozone layer.
  • The Vienna Convention paved the way for the Montreal Protocol (1987), which introduced specific legal measures to phase out ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons.
  • Its primary focus is on protecting human health and the environment from the adverse effects of ozone layer depletion.

Additional Information

• Ramsar Convention:
  • The Ramsar Convention, adopted in 1971, focuses on the conservation and wise use of wetlands of international importance, especially as habitats for waterbirds.
  • It is unrelated to ozone layer protection and focuses on ecological preservation of wetlands.
• Basel Convention:
  • The Basel Convention, adopted in 1989, deals with the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal.
  • Its primary aim is to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of hazardous waste management but does not address ozone layer protection.
• Stockholm Convention:
  • The Stockholm Convention, adopted in 2001, focuses on reducing or eliminating the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which pose risks to human health and ecosystems.
  • While it addresses environmental concerns, it does not specifically target ozone layer protection.