EVELYN HONE COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS COMMERCE AND HEALTH SCIENCES

NAME. CHELELWA FREDERICK

ID. 21003286
LECTURER. MR BANDA.M. DAVID
COURSE. EPMC 3111
SEMESTER. TWO(2)
YEAR. THREE (3)
DUE DATE. 06/10/23

QUESTION: DESCRIBE THE PROTOCOLS AND CONVERNTIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL

MANAGEMENT AND POLLUTION CONTROL.
Environmental management and pollution control involve various international agreements and
conventions aimed at addressing environmental issues and reducing pollution.The aims and
goals collectively contribute to a global effort to safeguard the environment, combat pollution,
and ensure a sustainable future for all. Each agreement and convention addresses specific
aspects of environmental management, reflecting the multifaceted nature of environmental
issues and the need for coordinated action at the international level. Hence the article is going
to describe the various types of agreements and conventions that play a vital role in making up
policies to mitigate the challenges related to Environmental pollution issues. some key
agreements and conventions in this field:
(A)Kyoto Protocol (1997): This protocol set binding emissions reduction targets for developed
countries to combat climate change. It established the framework for subsequent climate
agreements, including the Paris Agreement. The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997 and in force
from 2005 to 2020, made significant contributions to addressing environmental pollution,
particularly in the context of climate change. Here are some of its key contributions:

 Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions: The central contribution of the Kyoto Protocol
was its establishment of legally binding emission reduction targets for industrialized
countries (known as Annex I countries). These countries committed to reducing their
greenhouse gas emissions collectively by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels during
the first commitment period (2008-2012). This reduction goal aimed to curb the
pollution responsible for global warming and climate change.
 Promotion of Clean Technologies: To meet their emission reduction targets, Annex I
countries had to invest in cleaner and more sustainable technologies. This led to
increased research, development, and adoption of renewable energy sources, energy
efficiency measures, and cleaner industrial processes.
 The Kyoto Protocol introduced flexible mechanisms, including emissions trading, the
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), and Joint Implementation (JI). These
mechanisms allowed countries to buy and sell emissions credits, encouraging pollution
reduction in the most cost-effective manner and facilitating the transfer of cleaner
technologies to developing countries.
 Increased Awareness and International Cooperation:The Kyoto Protocol raised global
awareness about the importance of addressing climate change and pollution caused by
greenhouse gases. It fostered international cooperation on environmental issues by
creating a framework for nations to work together.
 Legacy for Future Agreements: The Kyoto Protocol laid the groundwork for subsequent
climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, which built upon the lessons learned
from Kyoto. It demonstrated the feasibility of international cooperation in tackling
environmental pollution on a global scale.However, it's important to note that the Kyoto
Protocol also faced challenges and limitations, including the fact that some major
emitters, such as the United States, did not ratify it, and it didn't include binding
 commitments for developing countries. Despite these challenges, the protocol played a
crucial role in shaping the global response to climate change and reducing pollution
from greenhouse gases. Its legacy lives on in subsequent international climate
agreements and efforts to combat environmental pollution.
(B)Paris Agreement (2015):This agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2
degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees
Celsius. It encourages countries to submit voluntary emissions reduction targets (Nationally
Determined Contributions or NDCs). The Paris Agreement, which was adopted in 2015 as part of
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), made significant
contributions to addressing environmental pollution, specifically in the context of climate
change:
I. Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The primary goal of the Paris Agreement is to
limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an
aim to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To achieve this, countries committed to setting and
achieving ambitious targets for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. This directly
addresses the pollution caused by these gases, which contribute to global warming and
climate change.
II. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Under the agreement, each participating
country is required to submit its NDC, which outlines its specific plans and targets for
reducing emissions. This transparency and accountability mechanism encourages
countries to take meaningful steps to reduce environmental pollution.
III. Global Cooperation: The Paris Agreement fosters international cooperation and
coordination in the fight against climate change. By bringing nearly all nations together
in a common cause, it promotes a unified effort to combat pollution at a global scale.
IV. Financial and Technological Support**: countries pledged to provide financial and
technological support to developing nations to help them transition to cleaner, more
sustainable energy sources and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This support can
reduce the pollution associated with high-emission practices in developing countries.
V. Adaptation and Resilience: The agreement recognizes the importance of adapting to the
existing and future impacts of climate change. This includes addressing pollution-related
issues such as water scarcity, air quality, and health risks associated with changing
climate conditions.
VI. Innovation and Clean Energy:The Paris Agreement encourages the development and
adoption of clean energy technologies, which can reduce pollution from fossil fuels and
other high-emission sources.
While the Paris Agreement primarily focuses on mitigating climate change, its efforts are closely
tied to addressing environmental pollution since many of the key pollutants contributing to
climate change also have adverse effects on air and water quality, as well as ecosystems.
(C)United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):
This is the parent treaty of the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. It sets the overall
framework for addressing climate change and coordinating international efforts. The United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty
established in 1992 with the primary objective of addressing climate change and its impacts. Its
work revolves around several key functions and activities:
Negotiating International Agreements**: The UNFCCC facilitates negotiations among its
member countries to develop and update international agreements aimed at addressing climate
change. The most notable of these agreements is the Kyoto Protocol (adopted in 1997) and the
Paris Agreement (adopted in 2015), both of which set targets and mechanisms for reducing
greenhouse gas emissions.
Monitoring and Reporting: The UNFCCC establishes guidelines and procedures for countries to
report their greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation efforts. This transparency and
accountability mechanism help track progress toward global climate goals.
Capacity Building: The convention supports capacity-building efforts in developing countries to
help them cope with the impacts of climate change and to enable them to participate
effectively in international climate negotiations.
Technology Transfer :The UNFCCC promotes the transfer of environmentally sound technologies
to developing countries to assist them in reducing their emissions and enhancing their resilience
to climate change.
Financial Mechanisms:The convention oversees financial mechanisms, such as the Green
Climate Fund, to provide financial support from developed countries to developing countries for
mitigation and adaptation projects.
Adaptation:It encourages countries to formulate and implement strategies for adapting to the
adverse effects of climate change, including the development of national adaptation plans.
Research and Data:The UNFCCC supports research and data collection on climate change and
its impacts. It provides a platform for scientific assessments through the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Montreal Protocol (1987):
This treaty aims to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of
ozone-depleting substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The Montreal Protocol is an
international environmental treaty aimed at protecting the ozone layer by phasing out the
production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Some of the positive
impacts and works of the Montreal Protocol include:
a) Ozone Layer Protection: The protocol has successfully led to the reduction of ODS such
as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and other harmful chemicals. As a result, the
 ozone layer has started to recover, which is crucial for blocking harmful ultraviolet (UV)
radiation from reaching the Earth's surface.
b) Global Cooperation: The Montreal Protocol is a prime example of effective international
cooperation. It has been ratified by nearly all countries, demonstrating the commitment
of the global community to address environmental issues.
c) Climate Benefits: In addition to protecting the ozone layer, the protocol has contributed
to mitigating climate change. Many ODS are also potent greenhouse gases, so their
reduction has helped reduce the overall warming potential of the atmosphere.
d) Technology Innovation: The phase-out of ODS has encouraged the development and
adoption of alternative technologies and substances that are more environmentally
friendly. This has driven innovation in areas such as refrigeration, air conditioning, and
aerosol products.
e) Economic Benefits: While there were concerns about the economic impact of phasing
out ODS, the protocol has spurred economic growth through the development of new
industries and the creation of jobs in the production and maintenance of ozone-friendly
technologies.
f) Health Benefits: Protecting the ozone layer has indirect health benefits, as increased UV
radiation can lead to higher rates of skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues. The
protocol's success in ozone layer protection helps prevent these health problems.
The Montreal Protocol serves as a model for addressing other global environmental
challenges. It demonstrates that international cooperation, science-based decision-
making, and timely action can make a significant positive impact on the
environment.Overall, the Montreal Protocol is widely regarded as one of the most
successful international environmental agreements, contributing to both ozone layer
recovery and climate change mitigation.
D). Basel Convention (1989):The Basel Convention controls the transboundary movement and
disposal of hazardous wastes and their disposal. It aims to minimize the generation of
hazardous waste and promote environmentally sound management. The Basel Convention on
the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal is an
international treaty aimed at controlling the movement and disposal of hazardous waste to
protect human health and the environment. Its contributions to environmental issues are as
follows:
i. Hazardous Waste Management: The Basel has played a crucial role in regulating the
transboundary movement of hazardous waste, preventing the dumping of such waste in
developing countries that may lack the capacity to manage it safely. This helps prevent
environmental contamination and associated health risks.
ii. Environmental Protection: By establishing guidelines for the environmentally sound
management of hazardous waste, the convention promotes responsible waste disposal
practices, reducing the likelihood of soil, air, and water pollution.
 iii. Health and Safety: The treaty prioritizes human health and safety by addressing the risks
associated with hazardous waste. This includes regulations on labeling, packaging, and
handling of hazardous materials to minimize accidents and exposure.
iv. revention of Illegal Dumping: The Basel Convention aims to curb illegal dumping and the
illegal trade in hazardous waste. This helps prevent environmental damage and health
hazards that can result from unregulated waste disposal.Global Cooperation: The
convention encourages international cooperation and information exchange regarding
hazardous waste management, promoting best practices and technology transfer to
improve waste handling and disposal worldwide.Promotion of Sustainable Practices: By
discouraging the export of hazardous waste to countries that cannot manage it safely,
the Basel Convention encourages the development and adoption of sustainable waste
management practices and technologies.
v. Adaptation to Emerging Challenges: The Basel Convention has evolved over time to
address emerging environmental issues, such as electronic waste (e-waste), which
contains hazardous components. Amendments to the convention have helped regulate
the transboundary movement of e-waste more effectively.
While the Basel Convention has made significant strides in addressing hazardous waste
management and environmental protection, challenges remain, including issues related to
enforcement, monitoring, and ensuring compliance by all parties. Additionally, the global nature
of hazardous waste trade and disposal requires ongoing international cooperation to adapt to
changing circumstances and emerging threats to the environment.
E.)Stockholm Convention (2001):** This convention addresses the production, use, and release
of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), which are highly toxic chemicals that persist in the
environment. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is an
international treaty aimed at addressing the global issue of persistent organic pollutants, which
are highly toxic chemicals that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in living organisms,
and pose serious risks to human health and the environment. The work of the Stockholm
Convention includes the following key aspects:

 Identification and Regulation: The convention identifies specific POPs, such as

polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT, dioxins, and furans, as well as several other
hazardous chemicals. These substances are subject to strict regulations, including
restrictions on production and use, with the goal of ultimately eliminating or severely
limiting their release into the environment.
 Phase-Out and Elimination: Parties to the convention commit to phasing out the
production and use of listed POPs, with the aim of eliminating them whenever feasible.
This is done through a variety of measures, including the promotion of alternatives to
POPs in various industrial processes and products.
 Environmental and Human Health Protection: The Stockholm Convention prioritizes the
protection of human health and the environment by reducing exposure to POPs. This
 includes measures to control and manage stockpiles of obsolete pesticides and other
POP-containing substances.
 Monitoring and Reporting: Parties are required to monitor and report on the
production, use, and emissions of POPs, as well as their efforts to reduce and eliminate
them. This data helps assess progress toward meeting the convention's objectives.
 Research and Scientific Assessment: The convention relies on scientific assessments to
identify and evaluate new POPs, assess the effectiveness of control measures, and
determine the impact of POPs on human health and the environment. The Convention's
scientific body, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC), plays a
crucial role in this process.
 Capacity Building and Technical Assistance: The Stockholm Convention provides
support to developing countries and countries with economies in transition to help them
build capacity for managing and regulating POPs effectively. This includes financial
assistance and technology transfer to enable these nations to meet their obligations
under the convention.
F).ROTTERDAM
The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for Certain
Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade is an international treaty
designed to promote shared responsibility and cooperative efforts in managing
hazardous chemicals and pesticides. It primarily focuses on information exchange and
informed decision-making related to the import and export of these substances. The
impact of the Rotterdam Convention on pollution control includes:
1. Information Exchange: The convention establishes a system for sharing information
about hazardous chemicals and pesticides. Exporting countries are required to provide
information on the characteristics and hazards of these substances, which helps
importing countries make informed decisions about whether to accept or refuse them.
This promotes transparency in international trade.
2. Informed Consent: The PIC procedure requires that prior informed consent is
obtained from the importing country before certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides
are exported. This allows importing countries to assess the risks associated with the
substances and decide whether they have the capacity to manage them safely.
3. Risk Reduction: By enabling importing countries to make informed decisions about
potentially hazardous chemicals and pesticides, the Rotterdam Convention helps reduce
the risk of pollution and environmental damage that could result from the unregulated
import of these substances.
4. Protection of Human Health: The convention contributes to protecting human health
by ensuring that countries have access to information about the hazards of chemicals
and pesticides they may encounter. Informed decision-making can lead to safer handling
and use of these substances.
 5. Environmental Protection: The Rotterdam Convention aims to prevent the
unintentional release of hazardous chemicals and pesticides into the environment. This
helps minimize pollution and damage to ecosystems.
6. Promotion of Safer Alternatives: By providing information about the hazards
associated with specific chemicals and pesticides, the convention encourages countries
to seek and use safer alternatives, reducing the overall use of harmful substances.
7. Capacity Building: The convention supports capacity-building efforts in developing
countries, helping them improve their ability to assess and manage hazardous chemicals
and pesticides safely. This contributes to better pollution control and environmental
protection.
8. Global Cooperation: Like other international environmental agreements, the
Rotterdam Convention fosters global cooperation by facilitating dialogue and
collaboration among countries. It promotes a shared responsibility for managing
hazardous substances in a way that minimizes pollution and risks to human health.While
the Rotterdam Convention primarily focuses on information exchange and informed
consent, its impact on pollution control is significant, as it helps prevent pollution at its
source by ensuring that countries have the knowledge and tools to make responsible
decisions about the import and use of hazardous chemicals and pesticides.
These agreements and conventions play a crucial role in international efforts to manage
environmental issues and control pollution. They provide a framework for cooperation among
nations to address global environmental challenges and promote sustainable
development.Since Enviromental pollution is cross cutting issues, it is call of putting up hands
together in finding possible measures which could be short term and long term controls. It
requires nations, continents and other public entities to formulate a continous existing policies
to mitigate the impacts of pollution of all kind.
 REFFERENCE

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