Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change

31. The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should

The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2°C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?

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  • 1. 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.

1 only
1 and 2 only
2, 3 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
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Based on scientific projections, a global temperature increase beyond 3°C above pre-industrial levels would likely lead to the terrestrial biosphere becoming a net carbon source and widespread coral mortality. Statements 3 and 4 are considered too extreme and unlikely to be certain outcomes at this temperature increase level according to current scientific understanding.
The question assesses understanding of the projected impacts of significant global warming based on climate science.
A 3°C warming scenario is associated with severe impacts. Terrestrial ecosystems (like forests and soils) can shift from absorbing CO2 to releasing it (net source) due to factors like increased respiration, droughts, and wildfires (Statement 1). Coral reefs are highly vulnerable to thermal stress; exceeding 1.5°C is critical, and a 3°C increase would cause near-total loss and widespread mortality (Statement 2). While climate change will impact wetlands and agriculture significantly, the complete and permanent disappearance of ALL global wetlands (Statement 3) and impossibility of cereal cultivation ANYWHERE (Statement 4) are considered overly pessimistic and not certain outcomes even at 3°C warming. Some adaptation, resilience, or regional variations are expected.

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32. Which one among the following statements with regard to the United Nat

Which one among the following statements with regard to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) is NOT correct ?

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The 'Global Stocktake' is the central outcome of COP28
It recognized the need to limit global warming to 1.5°C
It directed the developing countries to lead the transition away from fossil fuel
It emphasized accelerated phase-down of coal-power
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2024
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Statement C is NOT correct. The COP28 outcome document, known as the UAE Consensus, calls for “transitioning away from fossil fuels,” but it does not direct developing countries to *lead* this transition. The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR–RC) under the UNFCCC means that developed countries, which have historically contributed more to emissions, are expected to take the lead and provide support to developing countries.
Statements A, B, and D are correct descriptions of the outcomes or emphases of COP28.
A) The ‘Global Stocktake’, the first comprehensive assessment of progress towards the Paris Agreement goals, was a central outcome of COP28.
B) The conference reaffirmed the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
D) The agreement emphasized accelerated efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power.
The UAE Consensus was notable as it was the first COP decision to explicitly mention “transitioning away from fossil fuels.” It also included goals to triple renewable energy capacity and double the rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030.

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33. Which of the following statements about CBAM (Carbon Border Adjust-men

Which of the following statements about CBAM (Carbon Border Adjust-ment Mechanisms) is/are correct ?

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  • 1. These are an emerging set of trade tools to allow movement of carbon-intensive economic activity from a jurisdiction having less stringent climate policy to a jurisdiction having stringent climate policy.
  • 2. These are meant to increase the environmental effectiveness of climate policies

Select the answer using the code given below :

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2024
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Statement 1 is incorrect because CBAM is designed to *prevent* carbon leakage (movement of production to countries with less stringent climate policies) by imposing a price on the carbon content of imports. Statement 2 is correct; by pricing carbon on imports, CBAM incentivizes other countries to increase their climate ambition, thereby making climate policies more effective globally.
CBAM is a policy tool primarily developed by the European Union to tackle carbon leakage and encourage trading partners to raise their climate ambitions in line with the EU’s own climate goals.
CBAM works by requiring importers to purchase certificates corresponding to the carbon price that would have been paid had the goods been produced under the EU’s carbon pricing rules. The mechanism initially applies to carbon-intensive goods like iron, steel, cement, aluminum, fertilizers, electricity, and hydrogen. It entered into force in October 2023 with a transitional period.

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34. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :

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List I
(Climate Conference)		List II
(Country)
A. COP-261. Egypt
B. COP-272. Azerbaijan
C. COP-283. United Kingdom
D. COP-294. UAE

Code :

3 4 1 2
2 1 4 3
2 4 1 3
3 1 4 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2024
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The correct option is D (3 1 4 2).
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The COPs are numbered sequentially and hosted by different countries.
A. COP-26 was held in Glasgow, United Kingdom, in 2021. This matches with List II – 3.
B. COP-27 was held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, in 2022. This matches with List II – 1.
C. COP-28 was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in 2023. This matches with List II – 4.
D. COP-29 is scheduled to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2024. This matches with List II – 2.
The matching is A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2. Looking at the code options:
A) 3 4 1 2 (A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2) – Incorrect.
B) 2 1 4 3 (A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3) – Incorrect.
C) 2 4 1 3 (A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3) – Incorrect.
D) 3 1 4 2 (A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2) – Correct.

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35. Which one of the following statements with regard to greenhouse effect

Which one of the following statements with regard to greenhouse effect is correct?

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It can take place inside a glass chamber where no radiation can pass into it or pass back through it
It can take place inside a glass chamber where long wavelength infrared radiation can pass through into it and short wavelength infrared radiation cannot pass back through it
It can take place inside a glass chamber where short wavelength infrared radiation can pass through and long wavelength infrared radiation cannot pass through it
It can take place inside a glass chamber where all infrared radiation can pass into it or pass back through it
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2024
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The greenhouse effect in a simplified model, like a glass chamber (or the Earth’s atmosphere), works because the medium is transparent to incoming radiation but opaque or less transparent to outgoing radiation. The Sun emits radiation primarily in the visible and short-wavelength infrared range, which passes through glass. This radiation heats the interior surface. The heated surface then re-emits radiation in the longer wavelength infrared range. Glass (and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere) absorb or reflect this longer wavelength infrared radiation, trapping heat inside. Therefore, short wavelength radiation passes in, and long wavelength radiation cannot easily pass out.
The core principle of the greenhouse effect is the differential transparency of the trapping medium (glass or atmosphere) to incoming short-wavelength radiation and outgoing long-wavelength infrared radiation.
In the Earth’s atmosphere, greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor play the role of the glass, being largely transparent to incoming solar radiation but absorbing and re-emitting outgoing infrared radiation, warming the planet. A glass greenhouse traps heat not only due to this radiative effect but also by preventing convective heat loss. However, the term “greenhouse effect” applied to the atmosphere primarily refers to the radiative trapping mechanism.

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36. What is ‘Climate Neutral Now’ initiative? 1. It encourages organizat

What is ‘Climate Neutral Now’ initiative?

  • 1. It encourages organizations and other interested stakeholders to act now in order to achieve a carbon neutral world by 2030.
  • 2. It derives its aims from the Paris Agreement.
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2023
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The question asks about the ‘Climate Neutral Now’ initiative.
Statement 1: It encourages organizations and other interested stakeholders to act now in order to achieve a carbon neutral world by 2030. This statement is incorrect. The Climate Neutral Now initiative, launched by the UNFCCC, encourages entities (organizations, companies, cities, individuals) to measure, reduce, and offset their greenhouse gas emissions with the goal of becoming climate neutral *themselves*. While it encourages acting *now*, the stated ultimate objective of the initiative is to contribute to the global goal of achieving a climate neutral world *by mid-century*, as required by the Paris Agreement, not specifically by 2030. Achieving global carbon neutrality by 2030 is a far more ambitious target than the goal promoted by this initiative.

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Statement 2: It derives its aims from the Paris Agreement. This statement is correct. The initiative explicitly states its alignment with and support for the goals of the Paris Agreement, particularly the long-term goal of limiting global warming and achieving climate neutrality in the second half of the century. By encouraging voluntary climate action, it contributes to the collective efforts needed to meet the Paris Agreement targets.

The Climate Neutral Now initiative provides a platform and guidance for voluntary action towards climate neutrality by various actors. It promotes the use of certified carbon credits from UNFCCC-recognized mechanisms as a way to offset unavoidable emissions, in addition to emphasizing the primary importance of reducing emissions.

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37. Which of the following statements is/are correct about ‘Action for Cli

Which of the following statements is/are correct about ‘Action for Climate Empowerment’ (ACE)?

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  • 1. It is a term adopted by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
  • 2. This term is related to the Paris Agreement.
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2023
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The question asks about ‘Action for Climate Empowerment’ (ACE).
Statement 1: It is a term adopted by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This statement is correct. Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) is a term used to denote work under the UNFCCC, focused on six key areas: education, training, public awareness, public participation, public access to information, and international cooperation on climate change. These areas are recognized under Article 6 of the original UNFCCC text (1992) and were reaffirmed in subsequent agreements.

Statement 2: This term is related to the Paris Agreement. This statement is correct. The Paris Agreement, specifically in its Article 12, emphasizes the importance of these ACE elements and encourages Parties to cooperate in enhancing these areas. The Doha Work Programme on ACE (adopted in 2012 and extended) provides a framework for implementing ACE activities, including those relevant to the Paris Agreement goals.

ACE is crucial for implementing climate action effectively at all levels of society. It involves empowering all stakeholders to participate in climate action through these six elements. The term ACE covers activities outlined in Article 6 of the UNFCCC and Article 12 of the Paris Agreement.

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38. The principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities and respe

The principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities’, often talked about in media, refers to

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WHO's COVID-19 Global Vaccination Drive
contributions to the International Monetary Fund
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
contributions to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2022
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The principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities’ is a cornerstone of international environmental law, particularly within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and subsequent agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. It recognizes that while all states share a common responsibility for addressing global environmental problems, particularly climate change, they have contributed to the problem in different ways and possess different capacities (technical, financial, etc.) to address it. This principle underlies the differential obligations placed on developed and developing countries regarding emissions reduction targets and financial/technological support.
Option C, “reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” is directly related to climate change negotiations where this principle is most prominently discussed and applied.
The principle acknowledges historical responsibilities for emissions (developed countries) and varying capacities for action (developing countries).
The principle is enshrined in Article 3.1 of the UNFCCC. It aims to ensure fairness and equity in addressing global environmental challenges, especially climate change.

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39. Which of the following statements about the Paris Agreement on Climate

Which of the following statements about the Paris Agreement on Climate Change is NOT correct ?

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The agreement has been signed by more than 190 countries (as of March 2017)
The agreement went into effect on 4 November 2016
The Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) pledged during the 2015 Climate Change Confer- ence has been withdrawn in the Paris Agreement
Both USA and China joined the Paris Agreement
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2017
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Statement C is NOT correct. The Paris Agreement did not withdraw the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). Instead, it formalized them into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and established a framework for countries to pursue these commitments, review progress, and enhance their ambition over time. The INDCs formed the *basis* for countries’ commitments under the Paris Agreement.
The Paris Agreement operates on the principle of NDCs, which are voluntarily set by each country and represent their efforts to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Statement A is correct; by March 2017, well over 190 countries had signed the agreement. Statement B is correct; the agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016, after meeting the ratification threshold. Statement D is correct; both the USA (under the Obama administration, though it later withdrew under Trump and rejoined under Biden) and China joined the agreement.

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40. The largest greenhouse gas leakage in the US history took place in Feb

The largest greenhouse gas leakage in the US history took place in February 2016. The gas was :

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Carbon dioxide
Methane
Chlorofluorocarbon
Nitrous oxide
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2016
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The gas involved in the largest greenhouse gas leakage in the US history in February 2016 was Methane.
This refers to the Aliso Canyon methane leak in Southern California, which was discovered in October 2015 but continued to release methane until February 2016. It was one of the largest natural gas leaks in US history and a significant environmental disaster, releasing a massive amount of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
The leak occurred at a natural gas storage facility owned by Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas). It highlighted concerns about aging infrastructure and the environmental impact of natural gas storage.

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