Question

What was the main purpose of the Stockholm conference?
A. Discussion of universal human rights
B. Discussion of human interaction with environment
C. Discussion of international law
D. Discussion of human capital

Answer 1

Hint:In 1976, Sweden perturbed by issues of pollution, especially Acid Rain called for a gathering to brainstorm these issues that humanity would combat in lieu of climate change.

Complete Answer:It was the first instance that acknowledges these issues to be global in nature.

-The conference (5-16 June) was an attempt to lay down guidelines for shaping and safeguarding our ecology by the General Assembly internationally. This was an attempt to use this forum of cooperation to recognize the intersectionality of these matters, seen in their recognition of the difference in contribution to emission etc. between developing and developed countries. This difference is also referred to as the distance between the Global North and Global South.

-Some principles include a call for stopping the use of WMDs (Weapons of Mass Destruction), emphasis on awareness and accountability policy and preventing oceanic pollution.

-This year was also significant as the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) was established, as a need was felt to have a separate agency focussing on these matters. It is currently headed by Inger Andersen and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. It is mostly funded by voluntary contributions.

The correct answer is option B.

Note: The Declaration (with 26 principle) signed in 1972 is not formally binding. It was still however, a mostly successful conference, with over 113 countries attending. Other resolutions include ‘Action Plan for the Human Environment’.