IAS 2015 — Environment & Ecology Environment & Ecology

2015mcqeasy

Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances?

Official previous-year question

Verified 2 Aug 2026.

Options

ABretton Woods Conference
BMontreal Protocol
CKyoto Protocol
DNagoya Protocol

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (b) Montreal Protocol.

Explanation

International environmental protocols are legally binding agreements negotiated between nations to address specific ecological challenges. The protection of the ozone layer is governed by the Vienna Convention and its operational protocol, the Montreal Protocol.

Option-wise Analysis:

(a) Bretton Woods Conference: Incorrect. This conference, held in 1944, related to international financial arrangements. It led to the establishment of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), now part of the World Bank Group.
(b) Montreal Protocol: Correct. Adopted in 1987, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of numerous substances that are responsible for ozone depletion (e.g., Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs). It is the only UN treaty to be ratified by every country on Earth (universal ratification).
(c) Kyoto Protocol: Incorrect. Adopted in 1997 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), this protocol commits industrialized countries to limit and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to combat global warming, not ozone depletion.
(d) Nagoya Protocol: Incorrect. Adopted in 2010 under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), this protocol deals with Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS).

Key Takeaway:

The Montreal Protocol is specifically associated with phasing out Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), whereas the Kyoto Protocol targets Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) and the Nagoya Protocol focuses on biodiversity and genetic resources.

Your note

IAS Environment & Ecology in other years

Environment & Ecology 2026 Environment & Ecology 2025 Environment & Ecology 2024 Environment & Ecology 2023 Environment & Ecology 2022 Environment & Ecology 2021 Environment & Ecology 2020 Environment & Ecology 2019 Environment & Ecology 2018 Environment & Ecology 2017 Environment & Ecology 2016 Environment & Ecology 2014

More IAS Environment & Ecology questions

Consider the following statements about Rhynchostylis retusa (Foxtail orchid): 1. It is an epiphytic orchid. 2. The species is endemic to North-east India. 3. It is the State flower of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2026medium

Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience? 1. Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts. 2. Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones. 3. By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities. Select the answer using the code given below :

2026medium

Which of the following statements with regard to the arrival of Amur Falcons at Doyang Lake in Nagaland each year from Mongolia is/are correct? 1. It showcases how sustained local conservation efforts can contribute to the arrival and protection of international migratory birds. 2. It reflects the global success of advanced tracking technologies that guide migratory birds back to their stopover sites. 3. It confirms that Amur Falcons have adapted to permanent residency in India due to favourable habitat changes. Select the answer using the code given below :

2026medium

Which one of the following is the first Plan Vivo certified Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project in India?

2026medium

With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. 2. They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees. 3. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers. Select the answer using the code given below :

2026medium

View all Environment & Ecology questions

Keep practicing Environment & Ecology

Work through every IAS Environment & Ecology PYQ, year by year.

Browse all Environment & Ecology topics

The correct option is (b) Montreal Protocol.

Explanation

Option-wise Analysis:

(a) Bretton Woods Conference: Incorrect. This conference, held in 1944, related to international financial arrangements. It led to the establishment of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), now part of the World Bank Group.
(b) Montreal Protocol: Correct. Adopted in 1987, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of numerous substances that are responsible for ozone depletion (e.g., Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs). It is the only UN treaty to be ratified by every country on Earth (universal ratification).
(c) Kyoto Protocol: Incorrect. Adopted in 1997 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), this protocol commits industrialized countries to limit and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to combat global warming, not ozone depletion.
(d) Nagoya Protocol: Incorrect. Adopted in 2010 under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), this protocol deals with Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS).

Key Takeaway: