UPSC Prelims · Environment & Ecology PYQ
Global environmental governance — UNFCCC, CBD, Ramsar Convention, Montreal Protocol, Kyoto Protocol, and major international summits.
Includes
Consider the following statements:
Statement I: At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), India refrained from signing the 'Declaration on Climate and Health'.
Statement II: The COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health is a binding declaration; and if signed, it becomes mandatory to decarbonize health sector.
Statement III: If India's health sector is decarbonized, the resilience of its health-care system may be compromised.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Correct answer: D. Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
Explanation
India did indeed refrain from signing the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health — Statement I is correct in itself, though not being explained here. However, the Declaration is voluntary/non-binding, not mandatory as claimed — Statement II is incorrect. Decarbonising the health sector is not established to compromise healthcare resilience — Statement III is also incorrect. Neither II nor III correctly explains Statement I.
Consider the following statements :
Statement I : Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is frequently discussed in global discussions on sustainable development and climate change.
Statement II : Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change sets out the principles of carbon markets.
Statement III : Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change intends to promote inter-country non-market strategies to reach their climate targets.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Correct answer: A. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
Explanation
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement is indeed a widely discussed provision in climate negotiations — Statement I is correct, and this is explained by both following statements. It does set out the framework for international carbon markets and emissions trading — Statement II is correct. It also provides for non-market approaches through which countries can cooperate to achieve their climate targets — Statement III is correct. Both II and III jointly explain why Article 6 draws such attention.
Which organization has enacted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss?
Correct answer: A. The European Union
Explanation
The European Union enacted the Nature Restoration Law, a landmark regulation aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems across member states to address biodiversity loss and climate change.
Consider the following statements :
Statement-I : The European Parliament approved The Net-Zero Industry Act recently.
Statement-II : The European Union intends to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and therefore aims to develop all of its own clean technology by that time.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?
Correct answer: C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
Explanation
The European Parliament did approve the Net-Zero Industry Act, aimed at boosting the EU's domestic clean-technology manufacturing capacity — Statement-I is correct. However, the EU's carbon neutrality target is 2050, not 2040, and the Act does not aim for complete self-sufficiency in clean technology by any near-term date — Statement-II is incorrect.
Consider the following statements:
1. "The Climate Group" is an international non-profit organisation that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them.
2. The International Energy Agency in partnership with the Climate Group launched a global initiative "EP100".
3. EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.
4. Some Indian companies are members of EP100.
5. The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the "Under2 Coalition".
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Correct answer: B. 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation
The Climate Group is indeed an international non-profit driving climate action through networks — Statement 1 is correct. EP100 was launched by the Climate Group (not the International Energy Agency) — Statement 2 is incorrect, since IEA is not its co-launching partner in this initiative. EP100 does bring together companies committed to energy efficiency and emissions reduction — Statement 3 is correct. Indian companies are indeed members of EP100 — Statement 4 is correct. The Under2 Coalition's secretariat is provided by the Climate Group, not the IEA — Statement 5 is incorrect.
Consider the following statements:
1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.
2. India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.
3. ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on seafloor in international waters.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Seabed exploration and mining licences in international waters are granted by the International Seabed Authority, not the 'Global Ocean Commission' (which is not the licensing body) — Statement 1 is incorrect. India has indeed received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters, including in the Central Indian Ocean Basin — Statement 2 is correct. Rare earth minerals and polymetallic nodules are indeed found on the seafloor in international waters — Statement 3 is correct.
Consider the following statements:
1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention.
3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct answer: C. 3 only
Explanation
The Ramsar Convention does not make it mandatory for member countries to protect every wetland in their territory — only sites specifically designated as Ramsar Sites carry such obligations — Statement 1 is incorrect. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed under India's Environment (Protection) Act, not directly based on Ramsar Convention recommendations — Statement 2 is incorrect. These rules do extend to cover the catchment or drainage area of wetlands as determined by the regulating authority — Statement 3 is correct.
The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a UN mechanism to assist countries' transition towards greener and more inclusive economies, emerged at
Correct answer: B. The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro
Explanation
The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) emerged from the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), held in Rio de Janeiro in 2012.
"Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now" is an initiative launched by
Correct answer: C. The UNFCCC Secretariat
Explanation
'Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now' is an initiative launched by the UNFCCC Secretariat to encourage individuals, companies, and institutions to measure, reduce, and offset their greenhouse gas emissions.
With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements:
1. It is a song and dance performance.
2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance.
3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct answer: B. 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Manipuri Sankirtana is indeed a devotional song-and-dance performance — Statement 1 is correct. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna — Statement 3 is correct. However, it uses a range of musical instruments beyond just cymbals, including the pung (drum) — Statement 2 is incorrect.
With reference to 'Global Climate Change Alliance', which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is an initiative of the European Union.
2. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Correct answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Explanation
The Global Climate Change Alliance is indeed a European Union initiative — Statement 1 is correct. It provides technical and financial support to vulnerable developing countries to mainstream climate change into their development strategies — Statement 2 is correct. It is coordinated by the European Commission, not by WRI and WBCSD — Statement 3 is incorrect.
With reference to the role of UN-Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future, which of the statements is/are correct?
1. UN-Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all.
2. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only.
3. UN-Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Correct answer: B. 1 and 3 only
Explanation
UN-Habitat is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities and adequate shelter for all — Statement 1 is correct. It also contributes to the broader UN goals of reducing poverty and improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation — Statement 3 is correct. However, its partners extend beyond governments and local authorities to include civil society, private sector, and other stakeholders — Statement 2 is incorrect.
The term 'Intended Nationally Determined Contributions' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
Correct answer: B. plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change
Explanation
Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) refer to the voluntary climate action pledges submitted by countries under the UNFCCC process ahead of the Paris Agreement, outlining their planned efforts to combat climate change.
What is/are the importance/importances of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification?
1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships.
2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates the allocation of major portion of financial resources to these regions.
3. It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating the desertification.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Correct answer: C. 1 and 3 only
Explanation
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification promotes action through innovative national programmes and international partnerships — Statement 1 is correct. It follows a bottom-up approach, encouraging local community participation in combating desertification — Statement 3 is correct. However, it does not have a specific dedicated focus or preferential fund allocation limited to South Asia and North Africa alone — Statement 2 is incorrect.
Which of the following statements is/are correct? Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to
1. Protection of biodiversity
2. Resilience of forest ecosystems
3. Poverty reduction
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Correct answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Effective implementation of UN-REDD+ can contribute to protecting biodiversity, enhancing the resilience of forest ecosystems, and reducing poverty among forest-dependent communities — all three benefits are recognised outcomes of well-designed REDD+ programmes.
With reference to 'Agenda 21', sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:
1. It is a global action plan for sustainable development.
2. It originated in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct answer: A. 1 only
Explanation
Agenda 21 is indeed a global action plan for sustainable development — Statement 1 is correct. However, it originated at the Earth Summit (UN Conference on Environment and Development) in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, not the 2002 Johannesburg summit — Statement 2 is incorrect.
Consider the following statements:
1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct answer: B. 2 only
Explanation
The International Solar Alliance was launched at the UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP21) held in Paris in 2015 — Statement 1 is correct. However, its membership is limited mainly to sunshine-rich countries located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, not all UN member states — Statement 2 is incorrect.
With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017.
2. The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2°C or even 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Correct answer: B. 2 only
Explanation
The Paris Agreement was not signed by literally every single UN member country upon adoption, and it entered into force in 2016, not 2017 — Statement 1 is incorrect. It does aim to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C, pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C — Statement 2 is correct. Developed countries did commit to mobilising $100 billion (not $1000 billion) per year from 2020 for climate finance — Statement 3 is incorrect.
Consider the following statements:
1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the 'Club of Rome'.
2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct answer: B. 2 only
Explanation
The Sustainable Development Goals were not proposed by the Club of Rome in 1972 (that group instead published 'The Limits to Growth' report); the SDGs were adopted by the UN in 2015 — Statement 1 is incorrect. The SDGs are indeed targeted for achievement by 2030 — Statement 2 is correct.
With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments.
2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Correct answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation
IUCN is not formally an organ of the United Nations; it is an independent international membership union of government and civil society organisations, while CITES is indeed an international agreement between governments — Statement 1 is incorrect. IUCN does run numerous field conservation projects worldwide — Statement 2 is correct. CITES is legally binding on its member states but operates alongside, not in place of, national laws — Statement 3 is correct.
Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances?
Correct answer: B. Montreal Protocol
Explanation
The Montreal Protocol is the international treaty specifically dedicated to phasing out substances responsible for depleting the stratospheric ozone layer.
What is Rio+20 Conference, often mentioned in the news?
Correct answer: A. It is the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
Explanation
Rio+20, held in 2012, refers to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, marking twenty years since the original 1992 Rio Earth Summit.
Which of the following statements regarding ‘Green Climate Fund’ is/are correct?
1. It is intended to assist the developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.
2. It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Asian Development Bank and World Bank.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Correct answer: A. 1 only
Explanation
The Green Climate Fund is indeed intended to help developing countries with climate adaptation and mitigation efforts — Statement 1 is correct. However, it was established under the UNFCCC framework itself, not jointly founded by UNEP, OECD, ADB, and the World Bank — Statement 2 is incorrect.
‘BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes’ is managed by the
Correct answer: D. World Bank
Explanation
The BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes is managed by the World Bank, supporting forest-friendly land-use practices and carbon sequestration projects.
With reference to ‘Forest Carbon Partnership Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a global partnership of governments, businesses, civil society and indigenous peoples.
2. It provides financial aid to universities, individual scientists and institutions involved in scientific forestry research to develop eco-friendly and climate adaptation technologies for sustainable forest management.
3. It assists the countries in their ‘REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation+)’ efforts by providing them with financial and technical assistance.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Correct answer: C. 1 and 3 only
Explanation
The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility is indeed a global multi-stakeholder partnership involving governments, businesses, civil society, and indigenous peoples — Statement 1 is correct. It assists countries in their REDD+ efforts through financial and technical support — Statement 3 is correct. However, it does not primarily fund university or individual scientific research; its focus is on country-level REDD+ readiness and implementation support — Statement 2 is incorrect.
With reference to an organization known as ‘BirdLife International’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations.
2. The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originated from this organization.
3. It identifies the sites known/referred to as ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Correct answer: C. 1 and 3 only
Explanation
BirdLife International is indeed a global partnership of conservation organisations — Statement 1 is correct. It identifies and designates Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) — Statement 3 is correct. However, the concept of 'biodiversity hotspots' originated with Norman Myers and Conservation International, not BirdLife International — Statement 2 is incorrect.
If a wetland of international importance is brought under the 'Montreux Record', what does it imply?
Correct answer: A. Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference
Explanation
Placing a Ramsar wetland on the Montreux Record indicates that changes in its ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur due to human interference, technological developments, pollution, or other human activities, flagging it for priority conservation attention.
With reference to 'Global Environment Facility', which of the following statements is/are correct?
Correct answer: A. It serves as financial mechanism for 'Convention on Biological Diversity' and 'United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change'
Explanation
The Global Environment Facility serves as the financial mechanism for major environmental conventions, including the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UNFCCC, funding projects addressing global environmental challenges — matching only option (a), since it does not itself conduct scientific research (making the 'both (a) and (b)' option incorrect).
Consider the following international agreements:
1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
3. The World Heritage Convention
Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?
Correct answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture directly addresses agricultural biodiversity conservation and use — Statement 1 is correct. The UN Convention to Combat Desertification bears on biodiversity through its focus on land degradation and ecosystem health — Statement 2 is correct. The World Heritage Convention, by protecting natural heritage sites, also has significant bearing on biodiversity conservation — Statement 3 is correct.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty drawn at
Correct answer: B. UN Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 1992
Explanation
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted at the UN Conference on Environment and Development (Earth Summit) held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.
India is a party to the Ramsar Convention and has declared many areas as Ramsar Sites. Which of the following statements best describes how we should maintain these sites in the context of this Convention?
Correct answer: D. Conserve all the sites through ecosystem approach and allow their simultaneous sustainable use.
Explanation
Under the Ramsar Convention's 'wise use' concept, Ramsar Sites are meant to be conserved using an ecosystem approach while simultaneously allowing their sustainable use, balancing conservation with continued, responsible human use of wetland resources.
Which one of the following Union Ministries implements the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety ?
Correct answer: C. Ministry of Environment and Forests
Explanation
The Ministry of Environment and Forests (now Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) is the nodal ministry implementing the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in India, dealing with genetically modified organisms.
Where was the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio + 10) held?
Correct answer: C. Johannesburg
Explanation
The World Summit on Sustainable Development, also known as Rio+10, was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002.
Consider the following statements :
1. Kyoto Protocol came into force in the year 2005
2. Kyoto Protocol deals primarily with the depletion of the Ozone layer.
3. Methane as a greenhouse gas is more harmful than carbon dioxide
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct answer: B. 1 and 3
Explanation
The Kyoto Protocol did come into force in 2005, after meeting its ratification requirements — Statement 1 is correct. However, it deals primarily with reducing greenhouse gas emissions to address climate change, not ozone layer depletion (which is addressed separately by the Montreal Protocol) — Statement 2 is incorrect. Methane is indeed a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide per unit mass over a given time frame — Statement 3 is correct.
Which one of the following statements is correct?
Correct answer: C. The Biosafety Protocol deals with genetically modified organisms.
Explanation
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity, specifically deals with the safe handling, transport, and use of living modified/genetically modified organisms.
A World Summit with representation from all the countries will be held in Johannesburg in September 2002 on the subject of
Correct answer: D. Sustainable development
Explanation
The 2002 World Summit held in Johannesburg, attended by representatives from nearly all countries, focused on Sustainable Development, marking ten years since the original Rio Earth Summit.
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the Lists: List I (Important Day)
I. World Environment Day
II. World Forestry Day
III. World Habitat Day
IV. World Ozone Day List II (Date) A) March 20 B) June 5 C) September 16 D) October 3 E) December 10
Correct answer: D. I-B, II-A, III-D, IV-C
Explanation
World Forestry Day is observed on March 21 (close to the listed date), World Environment Day on June 5, World Habitat Day on the first Monday of October (around October 3), and World Ozone Day on September 16, matching this set of environmentally significant international observance days.
According to Meadows (1972), if the present trends in world population, industrialisation, pollution, food production and resource depletion continue unchanged, the “Limits to Growth” on our planet will be reached in the next
Correct answer: B. 100 years
Explanation
The 1972 'Limits to Growth' report, commissioned by the Club of Rome and associated with researchers including the Meadows team, projected that continuing then-current trends in population growth, industrialisation, pollution, food production, and resource depletion would cause the planet to reach its growth limits within about 100 years.
World Environment Conference to discuss global warming was held in 1997 in
Correct answer: D. Kyoto
Explanation
The 1997 World Environment Conference addressing global warming, which produced the Kyoto Protocol, was held in Kyoto, Japan.