ENVIRONMENT

Organization / Year of HQ Reports / Features, Tagline, Aims & Key

Movement Establishment Publications Contributions

IUCN – International 1948 Gland, IUCN Red List of • World’s largest & most
Union for Conservation Switzerland Threatened Species diverse environmental network
of Nature (1964) • Tagline: “United for life and
livelihoods”
• Maintains Red Data Book
• Works on species
conservation & sustainable
resource use

WWF – World Wide 1961 Gland, Living Planet Report Symbol: Panda
Fund for Nature Switzerland (biennial) • Tagline: “For Nature,
For People, Forever”
• Organizes Earth Hour
(last Saturday of March,
8:30–9:30 pm → next: 22
March 2025)
• Works on endangered
species protection
• Reduces ecological
footprint
• Promotes biodiversity
conservation

Greenpeace 1971 Amsterdam, Annual Greenpeace Independent, global

International Netherlands Reports campaigning NGO
• Tagline: “A GREEN AND
PEACEFUL FUTURE IS OUR
QUEST”
• Campaigns on: climate
change, deforestation, anti-
nuclear, pollution
• 🌳 Protects forests like Congo
Basin (Earth’s “2nd lung”)

Green Belt Movement 1977 Nairobi, Reports on • Founded by Wangari

Kenya afforestation & Maathai (Nobel Peace Prize
women 2004)
empowerment • Grassroots tree planting
initiative
• Focus on women
empowerment
• Promotes sustainable
livelihoods & community
development
UNEP – United Nations 1972 Nairobi, Global Environment Governing body: UN
Environment Kenya Outlook, Emissions Environment Assembly (UNEA)
Programme Gap Report, etc. • Focus on triple planetary
crisis → climate change,
biodiversity loss, pollution &
waste
• Collaborates with 193
countries (govts, private sector,
civil society, UN bodies)
• Achievements: helped restore
ozone layer, founded IPCC,
promotes green & inclusive
economy
• Champions of the Earth
Award (since 2005) →
Madhav Gadgil(2024)
Narendra Modi (for CIAL
project) (2018)
Institute-cochin airport 2018
• 🌍 World Environment Day
2025 theme: Beat Plastic
Pollution
IPCC – 1988 Geneva, Assessment Reports 🌡 Scientific body set up by
Intergovernmental Switzerland (ARs – latest AR6, UNEP & WMO
Panel on Climate 2021–2022) • Provides authoritative
Change climate science
• Findings influenced the Paris
Agreement (2015)
• 🏆 Shared the Nobel Peace
Prize 2007 -AI GORE
• Assesses climate impacts,
adaptation & mitigation
strategies

UNFCCC – United 1992 (Rio Bonn, COP (Conference of Nearly universal membership
Nations Framework Earth Germany Parties) Reports (197 countries)
Convention on Climate Summit), in • Key principle: Common but
Change force 1994 differentiated responsibilities
(developed nations take the
lead)
• Oversees global climate
action
• Major agreements: Kyoto
Protocol (1997) & Paris
Agreement (2015)
 PARIS AGREEMENT
RESULTED IN COP 29– Baku,
Azerbaijan
 COP COP30 in Belém, Brazil,
from November 10-21,
2025.
  4 Aim: stabilize greenhouse
gas levels & prevent
dangerous climate change

Treaty / Year / Adoption HQ / Reports / Features, Aims & Key Contributions

Conference Location Lists
Ramsar Adopted: 1971, Secretariat: Ramsar List Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Convention on Ramsar, Iran Gland, of Wetlands (1971)
Wetlands (Caspian sea ) Came Switzerland of  First global treaty focused on
into force: 1975 International a specific ecosystem
India: Party since Importance (wetlands)
1982 (80+ Ramsar  Aims at conservation & wise
sites as of 2025) use of wetlands
 Promotes international
cooperation on wetlands
 Protects biodiversity,
migratory birds & water
resources
 Links ecological health with
human livelihoods
 The Ramsar with most
importance in separate list –
Montreaux record

Montreux Established 1990 — Record of Montreux Record (1990, under

Record (under threatened Ramsar)
Ramsar) Ramsar sites  Identifies & prioritizes
threatened Ramsar sites
 Purpose: trigger conservation
action & restoration
 Not a blacklist, but a tool for
international cooperation
 Sites can be added/removed
based on Ramsar Advisory
Missions
 India:
o Currently listed →
Keoladeo National
Park (Rajasthan),
Loktak Lake
(Manipur)
o Earlier listed but
removed → Chilika
Lake (Odisha)
(removed in 2002
after successful
restoration)

Stockholm 1972, Stockholm, — Stockholm Stockholm Conference (1972)

Conference (UN Sweden (June 5) Declaration  First major global
Conference on (26 environmental conference
Human principles)  Theme: “Only One Earth”
Environment)  Put environment on
international agenda
 Led to creation of UNEP
 Marked the start of global
environmental diplomacy

Year Event Location Key Outcome / Contribution

1972 Stockholm Conference (UN Stockholm, First global conference on environment → created
Conference on Human Sweden UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme).
Environment) Raised awareness about environment.

1987 Brundtland Report (Our By WCED (Gro Introduced & popularized Sustainable Development.
Common Future) Harlem Called for balance between environment &
Brundtland) development.

1992 Earth Summit (UNCED / Rio Rio de Adopted Agenda 21, Rio Declaration (27 principles),
Summit) Janeiro, Brazil and 3 conventions: CBD, UNFCCC, UNCCD.
Introduced CBDR principle.

1997 Kyoto Protocol Kyoto, Japan First binding targets to reduce GHG emissions.
Introduced CDM, JI, Emissions Trading.

2015 Paris Agreement Paris, France Universal agreement under UNFCCC. All nations
submit voluntary NDCs to limit global warming to
below 2°C (preferably 1.5°C).

Awareness (1972) → Sustainable Development Concept (1987) → Action (1992) → Binding Targets
(1997) → Universal Climate Pact (2015).

Paris Agreement (2015)

 Adopted: COP-21, Paris → 12 Dec 2015
 In force: 4 Nov 2016
 Parties: 195 signed, 193 ratified
 India: Signed 2 Oct 2016
Objective
 Limit warming to well below 2°C, aim for 1.5°C.
 Balance between mitigation + adaptation + finance.
Nature
 Legally binding treaty, but NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) are voluntary &
self-set.
Approach
 Bottom-up: Each country decides own targets.
Key Features
 NDCs: Updated every 5 years, must be more ambitious.
 Global Stocktake: Every 5 years (first in 2023).
Criticism / Challenges
 NDCs not legally binding → weak enforcement.
 Current pledges insufficient for 1.5°C.
  $100 billion climate finance goal not met.

India & Paris Agreement

Net Zero Target → 2070 (announced at COP-26, Glasgow, 2021).

India’s “5 Panchamrit” Commitments (by 2030):

1. 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy capacity.

2. 50% energy from renewables.

3. Cut projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes.

4. Reduce emission intensity of GDP by 45% (2005 level).

5. Net Zero by 2070.

Convention / Year & In Objective Mechanism / Features India’s Role Examples

Protocol Place Force & Steps
CITES (Convention 1973, 1975 Regulate 3 Appendices: Party since Ivory ban,
on International Washington international 1976 tiger skins,
• Appendix I: No
Trade in DC trade in wild orchids
commercial trade (only
Endangered fauna & flora exceptional cases)
Species of Wild so that it does
Fauna & Flora) not threaten • Appendix II: Regulated
their survival trade with permits
• Appendix III: Species
protected in at least one
country, needing
cooperation
CMS / Bonn 1979, Bonn 1983 Conserve 2 Appendices: Party since Siberian
Convention (Germany) migratory 1983 crane, marine
• Appendix I: Endangered
(Convention on species that turtles,
migratory species → strict
the Conservation cross national bustards
protection
of Migratory boundaries
Species of Wild (terrestrial, • Appendix II: Species
Animals) avian, marine) requiring international
agreements &
cooperation
CBD (Convention 1992, Rio 1993 3 Main Institutions: • COP Ratified in Influenced
on Biological de Janeiro Objectives: 1. (Conference of Parties) • 1994 India’s
Diversity) (Earth Conservation Subsidiary bodies • Linked Biological
Summit) of biodiversity Protocols: Cartagena Diversity Act,
2. Sustainable (2000), Nagoya (2010) 2002
use of its
components
3. Fair &
equitable
sharing of
benefits from
genetic
resources
Cartagena 2000, 2003 Protect • Linked to CBD • Applies Party since Regulation of
Protocol on Cartagena biodiversity Precautionary Principle in 2003 GMO imports
 Biosafety (to CBD) (Colombia) from risks of GMO trade • Advance
Living Informed Agreement
Modified (AIA) procedure for cross-
Organisms border movement of
(LMOs) / GMOs
GMOs
Nagoya Protocol 2010, 2014 Ensure fair & • Linked to CBD • Focus Party since India’s
on Access & Nagoya equitable on Access & Benefit 2014 • biodiversity
Benefit Sharing (Japan) sharing of Sharing (ABS) • Biological resources
(ABS) (to CBD) benefits from Traditional knowledge Diversity used under
utilization of protection • Compliance Act, 2002 • ABS
genetic measures National framework
resources Biodiversity
Authority
(NBA)
established

Convention / Year & Place In Objective Mechanism / India’s Examples /

Protocol Forc Key Features Role / Notes
e Commitmen
ts

Stockholm 1972, — First major Led to India Raised global

Conference Stockholm conference creation of participated awareness
(UN on UNEP (HQ:
Conference environment Nairobi)
on Human
Environment)

Ramsar 1971, Ramsar 1975 Conserve & Each party Party since India: 80+
Convention (Iran) use wetlands designates 1982 Ramsar sites
on Wetlands wisely Ramsar sites (2025)

CITES 1973, 1975 Ensure trade 3 Appendices: Party since Ivory ban,
(Convention Washington in species I (Ban), II 1976 tiger skins,
on DC does not (Regulated), III orchids
International threaten (National
Trade in survival request)
Endangered
Species of
Wild Fauna &
Flora)

CMS / Bonn 1979, Bonn 1983 Protect Appendix I – Party since Siberian
Convention migratory strict 1983 crane,
(Convention species protection marine
on Migratory across Appendix II – turtles
Species) borders international
(terrestrial, cooperation
avian,
marine)
Vienna 1985, Vienna 1988 Framework Non-binding, Ratified First global
Convention for ozone led to ozone treaty
for Protection protection Montreal
of Ozone Protocol
Layer

Montreal 1987, 1989 Phase out Legally Party since India phased
Protocol on Montreal CFCs, HCFCs binding, 1992 out CFCs by
Substances & other ODS financial & 2010
that Deplete tech support
Ozone Layer

Basel 1989, Basel 1992 Reduce Prior informed Party since E-waste
Convention (Switzerland) hazardous consent; Ban 1992 regulation
(Control of waste Amendment
Transboundar movement
y Movements between
of Hazardous nations, esp.
Wastes) to LDCs

CBD 1992, Rio 1993 (1) Conserve COP, Ratified 1994 Framework
(Convention (Earth biodiversity Subsidiary → Biological for Cartagena
on Biological Summit) (2) bodies, linked Diversity Act & Nagoya
Diversity) Sustainable protocols 2002 Protocols
use (3)
Equitable
sharing of
benefits

UNFCCC 1992, Rio 1994 Stabilize Differentiated Party since Led to Kyoto,
(United GHG responsibilitie 1993 Paris
Nations emissions at s (CBDR)
Framework safe levels
Convention
on Climate
Change)

UNCCD 1994, Paris 1996 Combat National Ratified 1996 India hosted
(United desertificatio Action COP-14
Nations n & drought Programmes (2019)
Convention to (NAPs)
Combat
Desertificatio
n)

Kyoto 1997, Kyoto 2005 Legally Market India – Non- First

Protocol (to (Japan) binding GHG Mechanisms: Annex I (no commitment
UNFCCC) reduction CDM, Joint binding cuts, period 2008–
Part of 3rd cop targets implementatio but host 2012
(Annex I) n ,Emissions CDM
Trading projects) 2nd
commitment
in 2020-
 doha
amendment

Cartagena 2000, 2003 Protect Precautionary Ratified 2003 GMO trade

Protocol (to Cartagena biodiversity principle, AIA regulation
CBD) from risks of (Advance
GMOs / Informed
LMOs Agreement)

Nagoya 2010, Nagoya 2014 Fair & Access & Ratified 2014 Linked to
Protocol (to (Japan) equitable Benefit India’s NBA
CBD) sharing of Sharing (ABS), &
benefits traditional Biodiversity
from genetic knowledge Act
resources

Paris 2015, Paris 2016 Limit Bottom-up: India signed India’s 5

Agreement (COP 21) nov warming NDCs, Oct 2, 2016 Panchamrit
(to UNFCCC) 4 <2°C, aim updated; commitment
195 signed - 1.5°C Global s; Net Zero
193 ratified Stocktake(eve 2070
ry 5 years);
Climate (cop 26 -at
finance gasglow )

Kunming– 2022, COP 15 2022 Halt & 23 targets, India active Successor to
Montreal (China/Canad reverse incl. “30x30” negotiator Aichi Targets
Global a) biodiversity (protect 30% (2010)
Biodiversity loss by 2030 land & sea by
Framework 2030)
(GBF)
 BASICS
Important Names

 Father of Ecology → Alexander von Humboldt

 Coined by → Ernst Haeckel (1869)

 Indian Ecology → Ramdeo Mishra (Father of Indian Ecology)

 Modern Ecology → Eugene P. Odum (Father of Modern Ecosystem Ecology)

3. Ecosystem.

 Term coined by A.G. Tansley (1935).

 Formula: Ecosystem = Community + Physical environment

 Nature: Biotic + Abiotic components linked by energy flow & nutrient cycling.

4. Limiting Factors

Factors that determine the range/distribution of an organism:

 Light → intensity, UV penetration.

 Snow → protects seedlings in colder regions.

 Temperature → high or low extremes affect survival.

 Water/Nutrients → essential for growth.

6. Temperature Adaptations

 Eurythermal → tolerate wide temperature range (few orgs).

 Stenothermal → survive only in narrow range.

 Thermophilic → high temperature organisms (reptiles, coral reefs).

  Cryophilic → cold-adapted (salmons, seals, Arctic crustaceans).

Animals

 Poikilotherms → Cold-blooded animals (fish, reptiles, amphibians).

 Homeotherms → Warm-blooded, regulate body temp. (birds, mammals).

Plant–Water Relations

 Hydrophytes → Water-loving plants (lotus).

 Mesophytes → Moderate water (wheat, grass).

 Xerophytes → Dry region plants (cactus).

 Halophytes → Salt-tolerant (mangroves).

8. Soil Water Relations

 Field Capacity:

o Upper limit of water availability after drainage stops.

o Large pores → air + water, small pores → water.

o Ideal for crop growth.

o Water potential ≈ −0.01 MPa.

 Wilting Point:

o Lower limit of water availability.

o Minimum moisture needed to prevent wilting.

o Water potential ≈ −1.5 MPa.

1. Salinity Adaptations

Euryhaline organisms

 Tolerate wide range of salinity.

 Osmoregulators (maintain internal balance).

 Common in estuaries & tide pools (where salinity fluctuates).

 Life cycle often requires both freshwater & marine stages.

 Examples → Salmon, Eels.

Stenohaline organisms

 Survive only in narrow range of salinity.

 Mostly osmoconformers (internal balance depends on environment).

 Examples → Goldfish (freshwater), Haddock fish (marine).

  Catadromous fish

 These fish live in freshwater but migrate to the sea to spawn (reproduce).

 After spawning, the larvae often grow in the sea and later migrate back to freshwater.

 Example: Eels (e.g., European eel Anguilla anguilla).

 Anadromous fish

 These fish live in the sea but migrate to freshwater rivers/streams to spawn.

 After hatching, the young usually grow in freshwater and then migrate to the sea.

 Examples: Salmon, shad, hilsa, striped bass.

2. Photoperiodism 🌱

 Definition → Plant’s ability to flower in response to day length (photoperiod).

 Discovered by → Garner & Allard.

 Controlled by phytochrome (light-sensitive protein) + circadian rhythms.

Types of Plants

 Long Day Plants (LDP) → Flower when day length ≥ 14–16 hrs.
Eg: Spinach, Radish, Hibiscus, Barley, Wheat

 Short Day Plants (SDP) → Flower when day length ≤ 8–10 hrs (dark period must be
continuous).
Eg: Rice, Cotton, Jowar, Tobacco, Chrysanthemum, Soybean

 Day Neutral Plants (DNP) → Independent of day length.

Eg: Tomato, Pea, Rose

Effect on Animals

 Day length influences fur color, migration, hibernation, breeding.

 Example → Singing frequency of canary bird changes with photoperiod.

3. Phototropism 🌞

 Definition → Growth movement of plants towards/away from light.

 Positive phototropism → Growth towards light (Shoots).

 Negative phototropism → Growth away from light (Roots).

Special Plant Types

 Sciophytes (Photophobic) → Shade-loving plants (Black pepper, Coffee).

  Heliophytes (Photophilous) → Sun-loving plants (Coconut, Mango, Sugarcane).

4. Soil Profile 🌱

 Vertical layered structure of soil.

 Major horizons: O, A, E, B, C, R

Horizons

 O-Horizon → Surface litter (dead leaves, twigs, decomposed matter). ~20% organic matter.
Dark brown/black.

 A-Horizon (Topsoil) → Sand, silt, clay + organic matter. Rich in nutrients. Root zone. Highly
eroded.

 E-Horizon → Lighter color, nutrients leached from above. Common in forests.

 B-Horizon (Subsoil / Illuviation zone) → Accumulated clay, iron, carbonates. Roots of big
trees end here.

 C-Horizon (Saprolite) → Weathered rock + sediments. No organic matter.

 R-Horizon → Unweathered parent rock.