Environment and Ecology: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Prelims)

Explanation

A carbon credit represents the reduction or removal of 1 metric ton of CO₂ or its equivalent from the atmosphere. It allows for compensating carbon emissions by funding projects that either reduce emissions, like renewable energy or energy efficiency, or remove CO₂ through methods like reforestation or carbon capture. The concept of carbon credits was formalized under the Kyoto Protocol (1997), introducing mechanisms like Emission Trading, where countries could sell excess credits, and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), allowing investments in emission-reduction projects in developing countries for credits.

Explanation

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the UNFCCC allows developing countries to receive funds from developed countries for adopting technologies that reduce green-house gas emissions, promoting sustainable development. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) allows developed countries to invest in emission-reduction projects in developing countries and earn carbon credits in return. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

Carbon footprint refers to the total carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions linked to the activities of an individual or entity (e.g., building, company, country). Emission Reduction Norms refer to regulations or standards set to limit the amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted by industries, sectors, or countries. Carbon Credit Rating is a measure of how reliable and effective a carbon credit is in reducing emissions and helping the environment.

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The salt-water crocodile, the largest living reptile, is found in coastal regions of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These islands provide a suitable habitat for the species, including mangrove swamps and estuarine areas, which are ideal for the crocodile’s nesting and hunting.

Statement 2 is correct: The shrew is a small mammal found in the forested areas of the Western Ghats, including the Malabar region. The most common is Malabar Shrew. The tapir, specifically the Malayan tapir, is found in the rainforests of the Western Ghats. Tapirs are herbivorous mammals that are adapted to the dense forests and are native to parts of South and Southeast Asia, including the Western Ghats.

Explanation

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the UNFCCC enables developing countries to receive funds from developed nations for adopting technologies that reduce green-house gas emissions. It allows developed countries to invest in emission-reduction projects in developing countries. In return, these developed countries earn carbon credits while promoting sustainable development.

Statement 1 is correct. CDM is indeed one of the Kyoto Protocol mechanisms designed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by allowing developed countries to invest in emission-re-duction projects in developing countries.

Statement 2 is incorrect. CDM projects are implemented in developing countries, not in Annex I countries (which are mostly developed nations). The idea is that developed countries (Annex I) can earn carbon credits by funding emission-reducing projects in developing countries (non-Annex I).

Explanation

The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), also known as Rio+10, was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002. This summit marked the 10th anniversary of the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, in 1992. The WSSD focused on sustainable development issues, including poverty alleviation, environmental conservation, and the promotion of sustainable practices worldwide. In 1992, the Earth Summit (United Nations Conference on Environment and Development) was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It resulted in key outcomes such as the Rio Declaration, Agenda 21, and the establishment of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Explanation

The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty that commits industrialized nations to reducing greenhouse gas emissions (the third Conference of the Parties) in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan.

Statement 1 is correct: The Kyoto Protocol officially came into force on February 16, 2005.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Kyoto Protocol primarily focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change, not on the depletion of the ozone layer. The ozone layer issue is addressed by the Montreal Protocol, which focuses on phasing out substances that deplete the ozone layer.

Statement 3 is correct: Methane (CH₄) is a more potent green-house gas than carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the short term. Although CO₂ persists longer in the atmosphere, methane has a much higher global warming potential over a 20-year period--about 84 times more potent than CO₂.

Explanation

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global organization that assesses the conservation status of species. IUCN maintains a Red List to categorize species based on their risk of extinction. Endangered species are those at high risk, requiring urgent conservation efforts to prevent extinction and protect biodiversity. Some of the common species which are under ‘Endangered’ category of the Red Book, are listed as under:

1. Indian Elephant 2. Bengal Tiger

3. Asiatic Lion 4. Indian Rhino

5. Ganges Dolphin 6. Crocodile The Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), a species of crocodile found in India, is critically endangered, with fewer than 250 individuals remaining in the wild. The Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus pal-ustris) is classified as Vulnerable. Habitat loss, poaching, and declining prey populations have contributed to their endangered status. The Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) is listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching are significant threats to their survival. India is home to approximately 60% of the global Asian elephant population. Note: Presently, Mugger is under Vulnerable category and Sal-water crocodiles are under Least Concern but Ghariyal is listed as Critically Endangered.

Explanation

Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining eco-system structure and function, having a disproportionate impact relative to their abundance. Like the keystone in an arch, they support the stability of the entire system. These species influence population sizes, modify the environment, and affect species diversity and community composition. Removing a keystone species can disrupt the ecosystem, leading to biodiversity loss and instability. Some of the Keystone Species are: Sea Otters(kelp forest ecosystem). Wolves and other top predators(Grassland ecosystem), Elephants(Savannah), Beavers and Starfish. Options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Allopatric species are species that evolve separately due to geographic isolation, Eg. African and Indian elephants. Sympatric species are species that evolve separately within the same geographic area. Threatened species are species at risk of becoming endangered in the near future due to factors like habitat loss, climate change, and human activities.

Explanation

National forest policy 1988 was introduced with the principal aim of ensuring environmental stability and maintaining ecological balance including atmospheric equilibrium which are vital for sustenance of all life forms, human, animal and plant. Key objectives of National Forest Policy 1988 are:

Increasing substantially the forest/tree cover in the country through massive afforestation, reforestation and social forestry programmes Encouraging efficient utilisation of forest produce and maximising substitution of wood. Checking soil erosion and denudation in the catchment areas of rivers, lakes, reservoirs. However, the National Forest Policy of 1988 does not promote the wide use of insecticides and pesticides. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced ecosystem and preserving biodiversity within forests.