What is the primary goal of the Stockholm Convention on POPs?

The primary goal of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is to protect human and environmental health. This international treaty, adopted to address the adverse effects of certain chemicals, aims to eliminate or reduce the release of POPs into the environment due to their harmful properties, including bioaccumulation, persistence, and potential to cause significant health issues.

The Convention focuses on substances that remain in the environment for extended periods and can travel long distances, thus posing risks not only locally but globally. By establishing measures for the identification and reduction of these pollutants, the treaty ultimately seeks to safeguard ecosystems and public health, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and the necessity of addressing the dangers posed by toxic chemicals.

The other options do not align with the core mission of the Stockholm Convention. Promoting industrial development, regulating the production of new chemicals, or enhancing agricultural productivity are not the primary intents of this treaty, which centers around the impact of established pollutants rather than fostering economic or agricultural growth. The emphasis on health and environmental safety is what distinguishes the aim of the Stockholm Convention and underscores its significance in international environmental governance.