Basic
1. Climate change is caused by –
(a) Greenhouse gases
(b) Depletion of the ozone layer
(c) Pollution
(d) All the above
[U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2013]
Ans. (d) All the above
- Greenhouse gases and Pollutions cause the ozone layer to get thinner, which in turn affects the climate.
- Option (d) is the right answer.
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2. Where was the climate change conference held in the year 2015?
(a) Paris
(b) Qatar
(c) Bonn
(d) Colombo
(e) None of these
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (a) Paris
- The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference was held in Paris, France from November 30 to December 12.
- It was originally planned for 2021, but it has now been moved to 2022 and will take place in El-Shiekh, Egypt.
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3. Which of the following United Nation’s Climate Change Conferences was held in Paris?
(a) 25th
(b) 23rd
(c) 22nd
(d) 21st
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (d) 21st
- The UN Climate Change Conference that was supposed to happen in 2021 was moved to 2022 and will now be held in El-Shiekh, Egypt instead of Paris, France.
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4. How much has the global average temperature risen in the last century?
(a) 3.0ºF
(b) 1.8ºF
(c) 3.4ºF
(d) 2.4ºF
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (b) 1.8ºF
- Since the year 1900, the temperature of the air on Earth’s surface has gotten warmer, with most of the increase happening since the 1970s.
- Data from satellites, oceans, and animals all show that the planet is getting warmer.
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5. United Nations Climate Action Summit, 2019 was held at which of the following cities?
(a) Paris
(b) Geneva
(c) Doha
(d) New York
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (d) New York
- The United Nations Climate Action Summit in 2019 took place at the United Nations headquarters in New York City on September 23rd with the main theme being “Climate Action Summit 2019: A Race We can Win. A Race We Must Win.”
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6. Greenhouse effect is the process –
(a) To obtain suitable temperature for plantation
(b) Of heating the atmosphere by absorption of infrared radiations by atmospheric carbon dioxide.
(c) By which barren mountains changes into the green.
(d) In which deep water seems green.
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1992]
Ans. (b) Of heating the atmosphere by absorption of infrared radiations by atmospheric carbon dioxide.
- The greenhouse effect is a natural process that keeps the earth warm.
- Heat from the sun comes to the earth’s atmosphere and some of it is sent back into space, while the rest is taken in by gases like water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and other man-made chemicals such as CFCs.
- This absorbed energy warms the atmosphere and the surface of the earth, which is known as the greenhouse effect.
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7. The concept of Greenhouse Gases was postulated by –
(a) C.C. Park
(b) J.N.N. Jeff ers
(c) Joseph Fourier
(d) L. Zobler
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2011]
Ans. (c) Joseph Fourier
- Joseph Fourier came up with the idea of Greenhouse Gases in 1824.
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8. Which one of the following atmospheric changes take place due to greenhouse effect?
(a) Increase in carbon dioxide concentration in atmosphere
(b) Increase in humidity in atmosphere
(c) Increase in a biological population
(d) Increase in wind speed
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (a) Increase in carbon dioxide concentration in atmosphere
- Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere act like a barrier, letting sunlight pass through but preventing heat from escaping.
- This makes the Earth’s temperature rise, which is known as the greenhouse effect.
- An increase in carbon dioxide in the air would make the greenhouse effect stronger, but this hasn’t been seen.
- Water vapour is also an important greenhouse gas and it changes with the intensity of the greenhouse effect.
- Heat from the greenhouse effect causes more water to evaporate, making the air more humid.
- This higher humidity and temperature can help some organisms reproduce, but this isn’t an atmospheric change like temperature and pressure, which do change with the greenhouse effect.
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9. ‘Kyoto Protocol’ is related to-
(a) Air pollution
(b) Greenhouse Gas
(c) Climate change
(d) Water pollution
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (c) Climate change
- The Kyoto Protocol is a binding agreement between countries that is linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
- It requires countries to set goals to reduce their emissions.
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10. Consider the following statements:
1. The Kyoto Protocol came into force in the year 2005.
2. The 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?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 1 only
(d) 3 only
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2005]
Ans. (b) 1 and 3
- The Kyoto Protocol was officially accepted in Kyoto in December 1997 and officially took effect in February 2005.
- Statement (1) is true, as the Protocol is a global agreement connected to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
- Statement (2) is false.
- The global warming potential (GWP) of a gas is determined by the efficiency of the atoms in the gas and its environmental life-cycle.
- Carbon dioxide’s environmental life-cycle can vary, but its GWP stays the same (GWP = 1).
- The GWP of Methane has increased to 72 in the last 20 years, making it more damaging and effective as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
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11. Which of the following is not correctly matched?
(a) Cartagena Protocol Biosafety
(b) Stockholm Convention Persistent organic pollutant
(c) Montreal Protocol Ozone Layer
(d) Kyoto Protocol Save water
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (d) Kyoto Protocol Save water
- The Cartagena Protocol helps with biosafety, the Stockholm Convention deals with persistent organic pollutants, the Montreal Protocol supports the ozone layer, and the Kyoto Protocol is about Climate change
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12. The greenhouse effect is enhanced in the environment due to the?
(a) Carbon monoxide
(b) Carbon dioxide
(c) Oxygen
(d) None of the above
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (b) Carbon dioxide
- The greenhouse effect occurs when certain gases in the environment, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbon, absorb infrared radiation.
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13. Which among the following countries has announced to impose a ‘Carbon Tax’ from 2019 to cut its greenhouse gas emissions?
(a) Thailand
(b) China
(c) Singapore
(d) Malaysia
[U.P. R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (c) Singapore
- In February 2018, the Singaporean government announced that it will impose a carbon tax to help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released, which is part of its commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement.
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14. Which one of the following gases is not a greenhouse gas?
(a) CO2
(b) CH4
(c) NO2
(d) O2
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (d) O2
- Greenhouse gases are gases in the atmosphere that absorb and give off heat.
- This is what causes the Greenhouse Effect, and the main gases are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone.
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15. Which of the following groups of gases contribute to the “Greenhouse Effect”?
(a) Ammonia and Ozone
(b) Carbon monoxide and Sulphur dioxide
(c) Carbon tetrafl uoride and Nitrous oxide
(d) Carbon dioxide and Methane
[U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2013]
Ans. (d) Carbon dioxide and Methane
- Water Vapor is the most important Greenhouse Gas, making up about 60% of the total.
- Carbon Dioxide comes in second at 26%. Methane, Ozone, Nitrous Oxide, Chlorofluorocarbons, and other gases make up the rest, ranging from 4-9%, 3
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16. Which of the following gases has the highest contribution to global warming?
(a) Carbon-di-oxide
(b) Chlorofluorocarbon
(c) Nitrous oxide
(d) Methane
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (a) Carbon-di-oxide
- Water Vapor is by far the most important Greenhouse Gas, accounting for over half of the total.
- Carbon Dioxide is the second most important at 26%. The other gases, including Methane, Ozone, Nitrous Oxide, Chloroflurocarbons, and others,
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17. Which set of the following gases is most important for the greenhouse effect?
(a) Carbon dioxide, Methane, Chlorine, Nitric oxide.
(b) Nitric oxide, Methane, Ethane, Chlorfl uoro carbons.
(c) Carbon dioxide, Methane, Nitrous oxide, Water vapor.
(d) Carbon Monoxide, Sulphur dioxide, Methane, Water vapor
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (c) Carbon dioxide, Methane, Nitrous oxide, Water vapor.
- When the earth gets hot from the sun, it cools down by radiating heat.
- However, gases like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, water vapor and methane trap some of this heat.
- This has caused the average temperature of the atmosphere to rise over the last few years, which is known as global warming or the greenhouse effect.
- These gases are referred to as greenhouse gases.
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18. Which one of the following is not a greenhouse gas?
(a) Carbon dioxide
(b) Methane
(c) Propane
(d) Ozone
[U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2017]
Ans. (c) Propane
- The main gases that cause the greenhouse effect are water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone.
- Replacing gasoline and fuel oil with propane is an affordable way to create cleaner air.
- Propane decreases the amount of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and air pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide.
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19. Which one of the following is not responsible for global warming?
(a) Methane
(b) Water vapour
(c) Argon
(d) Carbon dioxide
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016]
Ans. (c) Argon
- Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide form a kind of “thermal blanket” around the Earth, trapping heat and causing the planet to become warmer.
- Therefore, argon does not contribute to global warming.
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20. Which one of the following statements regarding the Emission Reduction Purchase Agreement signed with the World Bank in May, 2011 is not correct?
(a) The agreement has been signed between the World Bank and the Government of India.
(b) The agreement shall be valid for ten years.
(c) The agreement is for securing carbon credits for a project of Himachal Pradesh.
(d) As per the agreement, one ton of carbon-di-oxide will be equivalent to one credit unit.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2010]
Ans. (a) The agreement has been signed between the World Bank and the Government of India.
- In 2011, the World Bank and the Himachal Government signed an agreement to buy certified emissions reductions (CERs).
- Hubert Nove Josserand, from the World Bank, and Sudripto Roy, from the Himachal Government, were the signatories.
- All other options are true.
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21. Which reference to the ‘NET-ZERO’ GOAL FOR 2050, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It means that a country will bring down its emissions to zero by 2050.
2. It means that a country’s emissions will be compensated by the absorption and removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Codes.
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (b) Only 2
- In February 2021, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released a plan called ‘Net Zero by 2050’ which is the world’s first plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Net zero, which is also called carbon neutrality, does not mean that emissions must be brought down to zero. Instead, it suggests that emissions should be balanced out by absorbing and taking out greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
- This could be done by creating carbon sinks such as forests and using futuristic technologies to capture and store gases.
- A good example of this is Bhutan, which absorbs more emissions than it creates, making it a carbon-negative country.
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22. Which one of the following gases is both harmful and beneficial to life on earth?
(a) Oxygen
(b) Ozone
(c) Nitrogen
(d) Carbon dioxide
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Mains) 2013]
Ans. (d) Carbon dioxide
- Plants use carbon dioxide to make sugar and starch through photosynthesis.
- This process is necessary for us and all other animals to survive since we depend on plants for food.
- Unfortunately, carbon dioxide is also a type of greenhouse gas which is dangerous for us. So, it can be both beneficial and harmful for life on Earth.
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23. Today the largest contributor to carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emissions is –
(a) China
(b) Japan
(c) Russia
(d) U.S.A
[U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2010, U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (a) China
- Data from 2020 shows that China is the biggest producer of carbon dioxide, making up 28% of the world’s total.
- The US is next with 15%, India is third with 7%, Russia fourth with 5%, and Japan fifth with 3%.
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24. Which of the following countries is the largest emitter of carbon?
(a) USA
(b) China
(c) India
(d) European Union
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (b) China
- China puts out more carbon than any other country in the world.
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25. Which of the following is known as ‘carbon-negative country’ in the world?
(a) Afghanistan
(b) Bahrain
(c) Bhutan
(d) Nepal
[U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (c) Bhutan
- Bhutan is famous for being a country that reduces more carbon dioxide than it produces.
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26. Which one among the following substances does not contribute to global warming directly?
(a) Oxides of Sulphur
(b) Methane
(c) Carbon dioxide
(d) Water vapor
[U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2013]
Ans. (a) Oxides of Sulphur
- Sulfur oxide does not cause global warming, unlike the other gases listed.
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27. Which one of the following is NOT a green house gas found naturally in the atmosphere?
(a) Nitrogen oxide
(b) Carbon dioxide
(c) Methane
(d) Ozone
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (a) Nitrogen oxide
- Greenhouse gases are able to absorb heat energy coming from the Earth’s surface and send it back.
- Carbon dioxide, methane, ozone and water vapour are the most common types of greenhouse gases that are found in the atmosphere naturally.
- Nitrogen oxide is not a naturally occurring greenhouse gas.
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28. Which of the following is not Greenhouse gas?
(a) Carbon Dioxide
(b) Sulphur Dioxide
(c) Methane
(d) All the above
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007]
Ans. (b) Sulphur Dioxide
- Greenhouse gases are certain types of gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.
- The main greenhouse gases are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone.
- This trapping of heat is what causes the greenhouse effect.
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29. Which one of the following gas is responsible for global warming?
(a) Only Oxygen
(b) Oxygen and Carbon dioxide
(c) Carbon dioxide and Methane
(d) Only methane
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (c) Carbon dioxide and Methane
- Certain gases in the atmosphere, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone, trap heat and cause the greenhouse effect.
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30. Which among the following gases is most responsible for global warming?
(a) Nitrogen
(b) Methane
(c) Carbon-di-oxide
(d) Carbon mono-oxide
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (c) Carbon-di-oxide
- Greenhouse gases in our atmosphere are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbon.
- Of these, carbon dioxide is the most concerning when it comes to global warming because it is more abundant in the environment than the other gases.
- In addition, the amount of carbon dioxide in the air is rising.
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31. The total amount of green-house gases produced, to directly and indirectly support human activities, is referred to as?
(a) Carbon dioxide index
(b) Carbon footprint
(c) Carbon sequestration
(d) Carbon capture
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (b) Carbon footprint
- The amount of gases that humans produce that contribute to global warming is called a carbon footprint.
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32. Which one of the following is not correctly matched? Green House Gas Source
(a) Carbon dioxide – Thermal Power Stations
(b) Chlorofluorocarbon – Automobile
(c) Nitrous Oxide – Waterlogged Paddy fields
(d) Sulphur dioxide – Brick Kilns
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (b) Chlorofluorocarbon – Automobile
- Chlorofluorocarbon is a type of gas and liquid that humans create from carbon, chlorine, fluorine, and oxygen.
- It is used in refrigerators and air conditioning systems.
- Chlorofluoro Carbon contributes to the damage of the ozone layer in the atmosphere.
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33. Which one of the following is not a Greenhouse Gas?
(a) Methane
(b) Nitrous oxide
(c) Chlorofluoro Carbon
(d) Hydrogen
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012]
Ans. (d) Hydrogen
- Hydrogen does not cause global warming.
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34. As a result of global warming there have been:
1. Better global communication
2. Melting of glaciers
3. Flowering of mango trees before times
4. Adverse impact on health
Select your answer from the code given below:
Codes :
(a) 1, 2, and 3 are correct
(b) 2, 3, and 4 are correct
(c) 1, 2, and 4 are correct
(d) 1, 3, and 4 are correct
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2003, U.P.U.D.A/L.D.A. (Pre) 2002, U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2001]
Ans. (b) 2, 3 and 4 are correct
- Due to global warming, glaciers are melting everywhere, which could cause species that rely on each other to be out of sync.
- This means that plants could blossom earlier than the insects that pollinate them become active.
- This could have a negative effect on human health, like direct effects and impacts from changes in ecological systems such as crop fields, mosquito habitats, and marine life.
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35. Which of the following are the impacts of Global Warming?
1. Rise in sea level
2. Melting of glaciers
3. Spread of diseases
4. Bleaching of Coral reefs
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Codes :
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Global warming is a huge threat to life on earth.
- It causes sea levels to rise, glaciers to melt, diseases to spread, and coral reefs to bleach.
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36. Which of the following conditions indicate the impact of global warming? Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
1. Melting of glaciers
2. Rise in sea level
3. Changes in weather conditions
4. Rise in global temperature
Codes :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) All the above
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2009]
Ans. (d) All the above
- The four things mentioned show how global warming is affecting us.
- The gases that cause global warming are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and chlorofluorocarbons.
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37. Global Warming is caused due to the emission of:
(a) Nitrogen
(b) Carbon Dioxide
(c) Carbon Mono-oxide
(d) Hydro Carbon
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2004]
Ans. (b) Carbon Dioxide
- The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased a lot since 1950, going from 315 PPM to 415 PPM.
- If this continues, it could reach 650-950 PPM by the end of the century, leading to the Earth’s temperature rising by 60 degrees Celsius.
- This is mainly due to burning fossil fuels and cutting down and burning forests.
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38. Which one of the following is the most fragile ecosystem that will be first affected by global warming?
(a) The Arctic and Greenland Ice sheet
(b) Amazon rainforest
(c) Taiga
(d) Indian Monsoon
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (a) The Arctic and Greenland Ice sheet
- The Arctic and Greenland ice sheets are the most delicate environments which will be affected by global warming first.
- The melting of the ice in these places will also have an impact on the whole world.
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39. The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere because it absorbs:
(a) The water vapor of the air and retains its heat
(b) The ultraviolet part of the solar radiation
(c) All the solar radiations
(d) The infrared part of the solar radiation
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (d) The infrared part of the solar radiation
- Carbon dioxide molecules in the air can absorb almost all of the energy from the Sun that comes to Earth in the form of infrared radiation.
- This makes carbon dioxide very good at trapping heat and warming the Earth.
- However, too much carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, is causing the climate to warm faster than normal.
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40. Consider the following:
1. Rice fields
2. Coal mining
3. Domestic animals
4. Wetlands
Which of the above is a source of methane, a major greenhouse gas?
(a) 1 and 4
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Humans are responsible for releasing methane into the atmosphere from sources such as rice fields, coal mines, and domestic animals.
- Wetlands and sea hydrates are also natural sources of methane, with wetlands contributing the most (around 76%).
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41. Methane is emitted from which of the following?
(a) Paddy fields only
(b) Termitary only
(c) Both form (a) and (b)
(d) None of the above
[U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (c) Both forms (a) and (b)
- Methane (CH4) is released into the environment from natural sources like wetlands, termites, oceans, and volcanoes, as well as from human activities.
- Agricultural activities like raising cattle and storing manure produce the most methane, followed by methane from natural gas and waste in landfills.
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42. Consider the following :
1. Carbon monoxide
2. Methane
3. Ozone
4. Sulphur dioxide
Which of the above are released into the atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3, and 4 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 1,2,3 and 4
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (d) 1,2,3 and 4
- After harvesting, the remains of the crop are usually burned in order to clear the land and control pests.
- This is the cheapest and simplest way, but this burning releases gases such as Carbon Monoxide, Sulphur Dioxide, Methane, and Ozone into the atmosphere.
- Option (d) is the correct answer.
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43. Which human activity is most affected by climate?
(a) Fishing
(b) Mining
(c) Manufacturing
(d) Farming
[Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (d) Farming
- Climate change has the biggest impact on agriculture.
- Changes in climate can also affect water supply and how much water is needed for farming.
- When the temperature rises, it can affect the soil’s moisture level and its ability to produce crops.
- It can also make the soil too salty, which reduces how much it can produce.
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44. The greenhouse gas liberated by cud-chewing animals is–
(a) Carbon dioxide
(b) Methane
(c) C.F.C.
(d) Nitrous oxide
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2005]
Ans. (b) Methane
- Methane is sometimes called Marsh Gas and comes from biogas, bacteria breaking down things, and animals that chew their cud. This gas harms the environment by polluting the air.
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45. Consider the following statements regarding ‘Earth Hour’:
1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
2. It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year.
3. It is a movement to raise awareness about climate change and the need to save the planet.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (c) 2 and 3 only
- Earth Hour is an event held by the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) every year to show commitment to the planet.
- People, communities, households and businesses are asked to switch off their non-essential lights between 8:30 and 9:30 pm, usually at the end of March.
- The event started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, and will take place on March 26 in 2022.
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46. Which reference to the ‘New York Declaration on Forest’, of the following statements are correct?
1. It was first endorsed at the United Nations Climate Summit in 2014.
2. It endorses a global timeline to end the loss of forests.
3. It is a legally binding international declaration.
4. It is endorsed by governments, big companies, and indigenous communities.
5. India was one of the signatories at its inception.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 1, 3 and 5
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 5
[I.A.S (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (a) 1, 2 and 4
- The New York Declaration on Forests is a voluntary agreement made by governments, companies, and civil society in response to the United Nations Secretary-General’s Climate Summit in 2014.
- It encourages cutting natural forest loss in half by 2020 and ending it by 2030, as well as restoring forests and croplands bigger than India.
- If these goals are met, it could reduce up to 8.8 billion tons of carbon pollution each year, which is the same amount of emissions that the United States produces.
- Over 190 entities have endorsed the Declaration, including more than 50 governments, 50 companies, and 50 civil society and indigenous organizations.
- India has not endorsed this Declaration.
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47. The United Nations Convention on Climate Change ratified by more than 50 countries became effective on –
(a) March 21, 1994
(b) May 21, 1995
(c) June 21, 1996
(d) June 21, 1999
[U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2012]
Ans. (a) March 21, 1994
- The UNFCCC was discussed at the Earth Summit in Rio-de-Janeiro in 1992 and officially became active on 21 March 1994.
- 197 countries have officially agreed to it.
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48. The place of India among 58 Countries of the world as per 2017 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) published by the German watch is:
(a) 23rd
(b) 22nd
(c) 21st
(d) 20th
[U.P. P.C.S. (Mains) 2017]
Ans. (d) 20th
- In 2017, India was ranked 20th out of 58 countries on the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), released by an independent German NGO called Germanwatch.
- India’s ranking improved to 14th and 11th in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
- In 2021, India was placed 10th in the CCPI which covered the year 2020.
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49. When was India’s first National Action Plan on Climate Change released?
(a) 2000
(b) 2008
(c) 2012
(d) 2015
[U.P. P.C.S. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (b) 2008
- India created a plan called the National Action Plan on Climate Change to help deal with climate change on June 30th, 2008.
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50. Given below are two statements:
Assertion (A): Climate change is leading to an increase in social tension in India.
Reason (R): The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events will have serious repercussions on food security.
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
Codes :
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct reason for (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct reason for (A).
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct reason for (A).
- Climate change is making it harder to get the resources we need.
- There is a lot of evidence that climate change is hurting how much food we can produce.
- This could make it hard to have enough food for everyone in the future.
- Extreme weather also affects agriculture, so this could lead to food insecurity.
- When there’s not enough food, people might fight over it, which can cause social problems.
- Both of these are real concerns.
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High-Level
1. What is the ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’?
(a) It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions
(b) It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt eco-friendly technologies
(c) It is an inter-governmental agreement ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to specified levels by the year 2022
(d) It is one of the multilateral REDD + initiatives hosted by the World Bank
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (a) It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions
- The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is a popular system used by governments and businesses to monitor, count, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
- It is a collaboration between the World Resource Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development that is helping companies, governments, and environmental organizations worldwide create reliable and effective plans to combat climate change.
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2. Consider the following statements:
(i) Kyoto Protocol came into force in the year 2005.
(ii) The Kyoto Protocol primarily deals with reducing overall greenhouse emissions.
(iii) Carbon dioxide is five times more effective as a greenhouse gas than methane.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) (i) and (ii)
(b) (ii) and (iii)
(c) (i) only
(d) (iii) only
[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2013]
Ans. (a) (i) and (ii)
- The Kyoto Protocol was accepted by the United Nations on December 11th, 1997 in Kyoto, Japan.
- It came into effect on February 16th, 2005 and is a binding agreement to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases to the 1990 level.
- It was created to reduce the gases by 5.2%. Methane is 86 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.
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3. 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 greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2o C or 1.5o C above pre-industrial levels.
3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility for global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries cope with climate change.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (b) 2 only
- In December 2015, 194 countries came together at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to agree on a plan to fight climate change and move towards a safer, more sustainable future.
- This agreement’s main goal is to make sure the global temperature doesn’t rise more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and work towards 1.5 degrees Celsius.
- The governments also decided to work together to raise climate finance to 100 billion dollars by 2020.
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4. In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-smart Agriculture, consider the following statements
1. The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), and international research program.
2. The Project of CCAFS is carried out under the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France.
3. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centers.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Rajapakar is part of a project led by the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS).
- This project helps farmers in 20 different countries to cope with climate change.
- It is based on the lessons learned by CGIAR, which is located in France.
- ICRISAT, a CGIAR Research Centre, has been awarded the 2021 Africa Food Prize.
- ICRISAT is an international research organization that works with a lot of partners to improve agriculture in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
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5. Which of the following countries does not have a global atmosphere watch station to collect data on world temperatures?
(a) Algeria
(b) Brazil
(c) Kenya
(d) India
[U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2012]
Ans. (d) India
- The World Meteorological Organization’s Global Atmosphere Watch program encourages people to record reliable information about the atmosphere all over the world.
- Right now, there are 32 places where data is collected, but India does not have one of these stations.
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6. Which of the following statements is not true about C.D.M.?
(a) It controls Greenhouse emissions.
(b) It reduces global warming.
(c) The Kyoto Protocol suggests for assessment of its sustainable development it.
(d) It prohibits developed countries from investing in projects in developing countries.
[U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Pre) 2001]
Ans. (d) It prohibits developed countries from investing in projects in developing countries.
- The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is part of the Kyoto Protocol, which allows for reducing emissions through special projects.
- It allows developed countries to benefit from carbon credits when they invest in projects that reduce emissions in developing countries. Statement (d) is wrong.
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7. In the context of CO2 emissions and Global Warming, what is the name of a market-driven device under the UNFCC that allows developing countries to get funds/ incentives from the developed countries to adopt better technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
(a) Carbon Footprint
(b) Carbon Credit Rating
(c) Clean Development Mechanism
(d) Emission Reduction Norm
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2009]
Ans. (c) Clean Development Mechanism
- Carbon trading is a way of controlling CO2 emissions by giving economic rewards for reducing them.
- Through the UNFCC Clean Development Mechanism, developing countries can receive money or incentives from richer countries to use better technology that cuts back on greenhouse gases.
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8. Consider the following statements:
1. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in respect of carbon credits in one of the Kyoto Protocol Mechanisms.
2. Under the CDM, the projects handled pertain only to the Annex-I countries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2008]
Ans. (a) 1 only
- The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) lets a country with a Kyoto Protocol commitment (an Annex B Party) reduce emissions in a developing country by doing a project.
- This project can earn credits for each ton of CO2 reduced which can be used to meet Kyoto targets.
- The CDM was created to help the “Annex I” countries (industrialized countries) meet their emission reduction targets and to help the “non-Annex I” countries (developing countries) with sustainable development.
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9. Which of the following is not true for India to combat the adverse impact of Climate Change?
(a) Establishment of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
(b) Investment of Rs. 100 crores as an initial corpus under the National Adaptation Fund
(c) Not attended the 19th Meeting of BASIC at Sun City, South Africa held recently
(d) All the above are true
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (c) Not attended the 19th Meeting of BASIC at Sun City, South Africa held recently
- The Kyoto Protocol of the UNFCCC states that the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) allows countries with emission-limiting commitments to do projects in developing countries that reduce emissions.
- These projects earn credits for each tonne of CO2 reduced, which can be used to meet Kyoto targets.
- The National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change was created in 2015 to pay for the effects of climate change in India.
- This has no connection to the 19th meeting of BASIC at Sun City, South Africa.
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10. Which of the following is not correctly matched?
(a) First World Climate Conference – 1979
(b) First Earth Summit – Agenda-21
(c) Earth Summit Plus 5 – 1997
(d) Carbon Trading – Montreal Protocol
[M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017, U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015]
Ans. (d) Carbon Trading – Montreal Protocol
- Carbon Trading is connected to the Kyoto Protocol, so option (d) does not fit.
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11. Consider the following statements:
Statements 1: The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the Arbor Day Foundation have
recently recognized Hyderabad as the 2020 Tree City of the World.
Statements 2: Hyderabad was selected for recognition for a year following its commitment to grow and maintain the urban forests.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1
(b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct but Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1
(c) Statement 1 is correct by Statement 2 is not correct
(d) Statement 1 is not correct but Statement 2 is correct
[I.A.S (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (d) Statement 1 is not correct but Statement 2 is correct
- The Tree Cities of the World Program is a global effort to recognize cities that take care of their trees and forests.
- The Arbor Day Foundation is a non-profit group started in 1972 in the USA to plant trees.
- Hyderabad has been chosen as one of the 120 cities from 63 countries to receive this recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization.
- This makes it the only city in India with this honor.
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12. Consider the following pairs: Terms sometimes Their origin seen in the news
1. Annex-I Countries: Cartagena Protocol
2. Certifi ed Emission: Nagoya Protocol Reductions
3. Clean Development: Kyoto Protocol Mechanism
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (c) 3 only
- The first Kyoto Protocol was attended by Annex-I countries.
- 37 Annex-I countries and the EU agreed to targets for the second round.
- Certified Emission Reductions (CER) are units of emissions or carbon credits that are given by the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
- The Cartagena Protocol was adopted in 2000 and came into effect in 2003.
- It is an addition to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) that helps protect against the impacts of genetic modification.
- The Nagoya Protocol also became an addition to the CBD in 2014 and focuses on access to genetic resources and benefits sharing.
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13. In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites for carbon sequestration?
1. Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams
2. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs
3. Subterranean deep saline formations
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Carbon sequestration is the process of taking carbon from the air and storing it in plants, rocks, and the ocean.
- This can help slow down global warming caused by human activities such as burning coal, oil, and gas.
- Unused coal seams, used-up oil and gas reserves, and underground saltwater areas could be used to store carbon.
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14. In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint?
1. Copper slag
2. Cold mix asphalt technology
3. Geotextiles
4. Hot mix asphalt technology
5. Portland cement
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3, and 4 only
(c) 4 and 5 only
(d) 1 and 5 only
[I.A.S. (Pre.) 2020]
Ans. (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
- In areas with rural roads, copper slag, cold mix asphalt and Geotextiles are the best choices for keeping the environment healthy and lowering carbon emissions.
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15. Which of the following statements best describes “carbon fertilization”?
(a) Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
(b) Increased temperature of Earth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
(c) Increased acidity of oceans as a result of increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
(d) Adaptation of all living beings on Earth to the climate change brought about by the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2018]
Ans. (a) Increased plant growth due to increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- Carbon dioxide in the air helps plants to take in more nutrients through photosynthesis.
- This varies depending on the type of plant, the temperature, and the amount of water and nutrients available.
- Over the past 35 years, about a quarter to half of all plants have become greener due to rising carbon dioxide levels.
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16. Regarding ‘carbon credits’ which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol
(b) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota
(c) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission
(d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme
- The Kyoto Protocol set limits on how much greenhouse gases countries can emit.
- The UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) made sure countries followed these limits.
- Each operator (business or organization) was given a certain amount of credits, which allowed them to emit one ton of CO2.
- Operators who did not use all their credits could sell them as carbon credits, while those who needed more could buy them.
- Businesses have to find the most cost-effective way to operate within these regulations, either by investing in cleaner practices or buying credits from other operators with extra credits.
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17. The concept of carbon credit’ originated from
(a) Earth Summit, Rio-de-Janeiro
(b) Kyoto Protocol
(c) Montreal protocolo
(d) G-8 Summit, Heiligendam
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2021]
Ans. (b) Kyoto Protocol
- The idea of carbon credits came from the Kyoto Protocol, which was adopted in 1997 and officially came into force in 2005.
- 192 countries are part of the Kyoto Protocol, which requires industrialized countries to limit and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases they produce and report their progress.
- Carbon credits are permits that let companies emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide or other gases, with one credit equaling one ton of carbon dioxide.
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18. BioCarbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes is managed by the:
(a) Asian Development Bank
(b) International Monetary Fund
(c) United Nations Environment Programme
(d) World Bank
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (d) World Bank
- The ISFL is a fund managed by the World Bank that is supported by donor governments.
- Norway, the UK, and the US have each contributed a certain amount of money to this fund, with Norway providing the most at $135 million.
- This fund is meant to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that come from land.
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19. Consider the following statements:
1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of the G20 group of countries.
2. The CCAC focuses on methane black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (b) 2 only
- The CCAC is a group of governments, organizations, businesses, research institutions and non-profit groups that are working together to reduce air pollution and protect the climate.
- The group is made up of 53 countries and other institutions, and it focuses on reducing three types of air pollutants (methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons).
- As part of its mission, the coalition works to create awareness about the effects of these pollutants, and to develop strategies to reduce them.
- Additionally, the group also acknowledges that reducing these pollutants can help supplement global efforts to reduce carbon dioxide.
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20. Concerning ‘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 people
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 Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation+)’ efforts by providing them with financial and technical assistance.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (c) 1 and 3 only
- The World Bank set up the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) in 2008.
- It has two parts: the Readiness Fund and the Carbon Fund. The FCPF helps developing countries cut down on emissions from deforestation and taking care of forests (REDD+).
- The FCPF does not give money to universities, individuals, or institutes, so statement 2 is not true.
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21. The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 20 C above the preindustrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3 °C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?
1. The terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source.
2. Widespread coral mortality will occur.
3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear.
4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2014]
Ans. (b) 1 and 2 only
- The International Panel on Climate Change released a report that stated that if the global temperature rises above 20 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, coral will die and 16% of the earth’s ecosystems will transform, leading to the extinction of 25% of known species.
- If the temperature goes up even more, to 30 degrees Celsius, then carbon sources will decrease and 20% of the ecosystems will change, leading to the extinction of 30% of known species.
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22. Which of the following represents the average increase in earth’s temperature during the last century?
(a) 0.6 degree Celsius
(b) 0.7 degree Celsius
(c) 0.8 degree Celsius
(d) 0.9 degree Celsius
[U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2012]
Ans. (c) 0.8 degree Celsius
- The earth’s temperature has gotten 0.80 degrees Celsius warmer on average over the last 100 years.
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23. Without greenhouse effect, the average temperature of earth’s surface would be:
(a) 0°C
(b) – 18°C
(c) 5°C
(d) – 20°C
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2020]
Ans. (b) – 18°C
- If it weren’t for the greenhouse effect, the average temperature of the Earth’s surface would be -18°C. The primary gases that cause the greenhouse effect are methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, water vapor, and ozone.
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24. Human activities in the recent past have caused an increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but a lot of it does not remain in the lower atmosphere because of:
1. Its escape into the outer stratosphere
2. The photosynthesis by phytoplankton in the oceans.
3. The trapping of air in the polar ice caps.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2011]
Ans. (b) 2 only
- In recent times, humans have released more carbon dioxide into the air, but a lot of this gas is taken in by plants and plankton in the oceans and on land through the process of photosynthesis.
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25. What would happen if the phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason?
1. The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected
2. The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected.
3. The density of ocean water would drastically decrease.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 2
(c) Only 3
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (a) 1 and 2
- If all the phytoplankton in an ocean are destroyed, it would have a bad effect on the ocean’s ability to store carbon.
- Phytoplankton are tiny plants that need sunlight to live and grow, so the food chain in the ocean would be hurt.
- Without phytoplankton, the density of the water in the ocean wouldn’t change much.
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26. Which of the following is not related to the astronomical theories of climate change?
(a) Eccentricity of Earth’s orbit
(b) Obliquity of earth’s rotational axis
(c) Precession of Equinoxes
(d) Solar irradiance
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2015
Ans. (d) Solar irradiance
- In 1920, Milutin Milankovic, an astronomer, proposed that climate change is linked to changes in the Earth’s orbit (like the shape, tilt, and precession).
- This means that the amount of sunlight the Earth gets has nothing to do with this theory.
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27. Who had suggested that shifting Earth on its axis is one of the factors, responsible for the climatic change?
(a) Robert Hooke
(b) Milutin Milankovic
(c) George Simpson
(d) T. C. Chamberlain
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2015]
Ans. (b) Milutin Milankovic
- Milutin Milankovic, a Serbian geophysicist and astronomer, proposed in 1920 that the way Earth moves around the sun affects climate change.
- This idea, called the astronomical theory of climate change, suggests that the amount of sunlight the Earth gets changes over time due to changes in Earth’s orbit and tilt.
- This change in sunlight affects global climate.
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28. Which of the following are the primary causes of climate change?
1. Excessive burning of fossil fuels.
2. Exploding numbers of automobiles driven by oil
3. Increasing solar flares
4. Heavy deforestation
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Codes :
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2, and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 4 only
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]
Ans. (b) 1, 2, and 4 only
- Climate change is caused mainly by two things: increasing the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and reducing the amount of carbon being absorbed.
- Burning fossil fuels, increasing numbers of cars, and deforestation all contribute to the increase of carbon in the atmosphere.
- This affects the climate by trapping heat in the atmosphere, known as the greenhouse effect.
- Studies from NASA and other organizations have shown that solar flares are not a major factor in climate change.
- Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
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29. Which one of the following provides the cryogenic indicator of climate change?
(a) Ice core
(b) Fossilized pollen
(c) Tree ring growth
(d) Evaporite Deposits
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) (Re Exam.) 2015]
Ans. (a) Ice core
- An ice core is a sample taken from an ice sheet, usually from Antarctica, Greenland, or a mountain glacier.
- The layers of snow build up over time, so the lower layers are older than the upper layers.
- Through analyzing the properties of the ice, scientists can figure out what the climate was like over the age range of the core.
- This helps them to figure out the temperature history and the composition of the atmosphere.
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30. With reference to the ‘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 the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre)2017]
Ans. (a) 1 and 2 only
- The European Union started the GCCA in 2007 to help developing countries, especially those that are least developed and small island nations.
- When it began, it was only in 4 countries. Now it has a budget of more than 300 million and is one of the leading climate initiatives in the world.
- It supports 51 programs in 38 countries, 8 regions, and globally.
- The GCCA helps countries integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
- The main goal is to make a treaty between the European Union and poorer countries who can’t handle climate change easily.
- It is overseen by the European Commission.
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31. India’s first National Action Plan on Climate Change was released in:
(a) 2008 A.D.
(b) 2012 A.D.
(c) 2014 A.D.
(d) 2015 A.D.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (a) 2008 A.D.
- The National Action Plan on Climate Change is India’s response to the global challenge of climate change.
- Launched in 2008 by Manmohan Singh, it is a comprehensive plan that covers 8 main areas to address the issue.
- It is a landmark initiative in India’s fight against climate change.
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32. Which of the following is not listed under the eight actions of the climate action plan of the Government of India?
(a) Solar Energy
(b) Atomic Energy
(c) Waste Energy Conversion
(d) Afforestation
[U.P.U.D.A./L.D.A. (Spl) (Mains) 2010]
Ans. (b) Atomic Energy
- In June 2008, the Indian government launched its Climate Action Plan, which consists of eight National Missions.
- These Missions include the National Solar Mission, the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, and the National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change.
- Nuclear power is not included in this plan.
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33. Which one of the following is not included in Eight Missions under India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change?
(a) Solar Power
(b) Afforestation
(c) Nuclear power
(d) Waste-to-energy conversion
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016]
Ans. (c) Nuclear power
- In 2008, India created an action plan to deal with climate change that included eight National Missions.
- These Missions included the National Solar Mission, the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, and the National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change.
- Nuclear power was not part of this plan.
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34. When was the Jharkhand Action Plan on Climate Change published?
(a) 2013
(b) 2014
(c) 2015
(d) 2011
[Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (a) 2013
- The UNDP helped the Jharkhand government create a plan to deal with climate change.
- In 2011, the government formed groups to help with the plan.
- The Department of Environment and Forests worked with other departments to create the plan.
- In 2013, they shared it with the public to get feedback.
- The plan is designed to make sure development opportunities are protected and increased while still reducing carbon emissions.
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35. According to the Jharkhand Action Plan on Climate Change Report (2014) which is the most sensitive District?
(a) E. Singhbhum
(b) Saraikela Kharaswan
(c) Ranchi
(d) Bokaro
[Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (b) Saraikela Kharaswan
- The Jharkhand Plan on Climate Change Report (2014) states that Saraikela Kharsawan is the most vulnerable district, with a score of 0.78 on a scale ranging from -1 to +1, which shows its level of vulnerability.
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36. Which of the following statements regarding global warming are correct?
1. Melting of polar ice caps and subsequent rise in the sea level is the most important effect of global warming
2. The sea level is likely to rise by one meter by 2070 A.D if the present level of global warming is not controlled
3. All the coral islands in the world will be submerged
4. By 2044 A.D, Fiji is likely to be submerged and the rise in the sea level by the same year will pose a grave danger to the Netherlands
Codes :
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 4 only
[Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2002]
Ans. (c) 1, 3 and 4
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that the temperature will be higher by 1.4-5.8 degrees Celsius between 1990 and 2100.
- This could cause the polar ice caps to melt and sea levels to rise by 0.33-0.45 meters during that time.
- The sea level is expected to rise by 3 mm each year, which is 0.15 meters per year in Fiji.
- In 2044, this means Fiji could be underwater.
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37. Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of ‘methane hydrate’?
1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits.
2. Large deposits of ‘methane hydrate’ are found in the Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor.
3. Methane in the atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Methane hydrate is a solid that is made up of a methane molecule surrounded by water molecules.
- It usually looks like ice. Global warming has the potential to release the methane gas from the deposits found in the Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor.
- The methane in the atmosphere is not long-lasting and will turn into carbon dioxide after a few years, which is linked to the greenhouse effect on Earth. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
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38. Scientists at Manchester University recently suggested controlling global warming by cloud brightening over the Pacific Ocean through geo-engineering.
Which of the following substances is used for this?
(a) Silver salt
(b) Iron powder
(c) Seawater
(d) Gypsum
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009]
Ans. (c) Seawater
- Researchers at Manchester University have proposed using ocean water to create clouds that would bounce the sun’s rays back into space, which could help to reduce global warming.
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39. Consider the following agricultural practices
1. Contour bunding
2. Relay cropping
3. Zero tillage
In the context of global climate change, which of the above helps/help in carbon sequestration/storage in the soil?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) Only 3
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of these
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2012]
Ans. (c) 1, 2 and 3
- Methods that help the soil keep more organic matter so it can act as a Carbon sink are helpful for Carbon storage.
- Contour bunding is one widely used technique for soil and water conservation.
- This is a mechanical measure to reduce soil erosion.
- Relay cropping is when a new crop is planted before the old one is harvested.
- This helps keep the soil safe.
- Zero tillage is also based on soil conservation, which helps retain more water, nutrients and topsoil.
- All three help with Carbon sequestration.
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40. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty drawn at:
(a) United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm, 1972
(b) UN Conference on Environment and Development, Rio-de-Janeiro, 1992
(c) World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, 2002
(d) UN Climate Change Conference, Copenhagen, 2009
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (b) UN Conference on Environment and Development, Rio-de-Janeiro, 1992
- The UNFCCC is a global agreement made at the Earth Summit in Rio-de-Janeiro in 1992 to help protect the environment.
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41. ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contribution’ sometimes seen in the news refers to –
(a) A promise made by European countries for rehabilitation of refugees from the Middle East.
(b) World Action Plan to deal with climate change
(c) Equity shareholding of member countries in AIIB
(d) World action plan for sustainable development goals.
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2016]
Ans. (b) World Action Plan to deal with climate change
- At the COP21 Climate Change Conference in Paris in December 2015, nations of the world came to an agreement on how to handle climate change.
- Each country announced what actions they planned to take to help address climate change, which was known as Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
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42. Which of the following statements is incorrect for the ‘Green Climate Fund” (GCF)?
(a) It was established in the Durban Conference on Climate Change.
(b) It would support programs and policies in developing nations.
(c) The developed nations would provide the funds.
(d) The fund will start operating from, 2014.
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2013]
Ans. (a) It was established in the Durban Conference on Climate Change.
- The Green Climate Fund was created at a United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancun, Mexico in 2010.
- It is part of the UNFCCC and is designed to help developing countries adapt to and reduce the effects of climate change.
- The GCF is based in Incheon, South Korea.
- The goal is to raise $100 billion a year by 2020 to fund climate-related projects.
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43. Which of the following statements regarding the ‘Green Climate Fund’ is/are correct?
1. It is intended to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.
2. It was founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Asian Development Bank, and World Bank.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2015]
Ans. (a) 1 only
- The Green Climate Fund was set up to help countries in developing areas with their efforts to reduce the effects of climate change.
- It is managed by a board of 24 members.
- Statement 2 is not correct.
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44. Which one of the following countries is the first country in the world to propose a carbon tax for its people to address global warming?
(a) Australia
(b) Germany
(c) Japan
(d) New Zealand
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2006]
Ans. (d) New Zealand
- A Carbon Tax is a fee designed to make people who use fossil fuels pay for the negative effects they have on the environment.
- Several countries, such as Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, and Norway, have already implemented this tax.
- New Zealand first introduced a Carbon Tax in 2005 as a way to reduce global warming.
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45. With reference to Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO) which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a Global Research Programme to outreach the role of Carbon on Earth.
2. It conducts field observations of deep microbial ecosystems.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019]
Ans. (c) Both 1 and 2
- The Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO) is a group of more than 1000 scientists that are trying to find out how much carbon there is, how it moves, and where it comes from in the Earth.
- From 2009 to 2019, their research was divided into four topics: studying how carbon behaves under extreme conditions, figuring out how carbon moves between different parts of the Earth, learning about abiogenic hydrocarbons and other organic species in the Earth’s crust and mantle, and discovering how much microbial and viral life there is underground.
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46. Due to their extensive rice cultivation, some regions may be contributing to global warming. To what possible reason/reasons are/are this attributable?
1. The anaerobic conditions associated with rice cultivation cause the emission of methane.
2. When nitrogen-based fertilizers are used, nitrous oxide is emitted from the cultivated soil.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[I.A.S. (Pre) 2010]
Ans. (c) Both 1 and 2
- Rice farming without oxygen leads to methane being released into the air.
- If nitrogen-based fertilizers are used, nitrous oxide is also put into the environment.
- Both of these statements are true.
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47. Which of the following statements are true regarding the members of the Asia-Pacific Partnership?
1. Their population accounts for 45% of the world’s population.
2. They consume the world’s 48% of energy.
3. They contribute nearly 48% of the world’s greenhouse gases.
4. They intend to support the Kyoto Protocol.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
Codes :
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) All of the above
[U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2005]
Ans. (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
- Around 41% of people in countries that are part of the Asia-Pacific Partnership use almost half of the world’s energy and produce almost half of the world’s greenhouse gases.
- These countries are planning to support the Kyoto Protocol, though some of them have not agreed to it yet.
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