Q.The historic convention on Biological Diversity held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 is known as:

The 1992 convention on Biological Diversity, held in Rio de Janeiro, was a landmark international gathering focused on environmental protection and sustainable development. This significant event brought together world leaders to address pressing global environmental issues, including the conservation of biodiversity. It led to the adoption of several key agreements, notably the Convention on Biological Diversity. …

Biodiversity, a term coined by Edward Wilson, refers to the combined diversity at all the levels of biological organisation. It encompasses the variety of life on Earth, from the smallest microorganisms to the largest animals and plants, and the ecosystems they form. Understanding biodiversity is crucial because it underpins the health and stability of our planet's life support systems.

NCERT identifies three main components or levels of biodiversity:

• Genetic Diversity: This refers to the diversity of genes within a single species. For example, different strains of rice or different varieties of mangoes exhibit genetic diversity. This variation allows species to adapt to changing environments.
• Species Diversity: This is the diversity at the species level, referring to the variety of different species found in a particular region. The Western Ghats, for instance, are known for their greater amphibian species diversity compared to the Eastern Ghats.
• Ecological Diversity: This refers to the diversity of ecosystems in a given geographical area. India, with its deserts, rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands, estuaries, and alpine meadows, showcases greater ecological diversity than a Scandinavian country like Norway.

By the late 20th century, there was a growing global awareness and concern about the rapid loss of biodiversity due to human activities. Scientists and policymakers recognised that environmental degradation and the depletion of natural resources were not isolated national issues but global challenges requiring international cooperation. This realisation led to the convening of a major international conference.

In June 1992, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This landmark event brought together leaders from around the world to address pressing environmental issues and to formulate strategies for sustainable development. The primary objective was to reconcile worldwide economic development with the protection of the environment.

Among the key outcomes of this summit were the signing of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), as well as the adoption of Agenda 21, a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally, and locally by organisations of the UN, governments, and major groups in every area where humans impact the environment. Due to its broad scope and the participation of numerous world leaders, this historic gathering is commonly known as The Earth Summit. …

Match the year/city (Rio de Janeiro, 1992) to the chapter's own name for the event itself ('The Earth Summit'), distinguishing i …