UPSC – CSE Prelims 2024
DIFFICULT
ENVIRONMENT – CLIMATE CHANGE
1. One of the following regions has the world’s largest tropical peatland, which holds about three years worth of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels; and the possible destruction of which can exert detrimental effect on the global climate. Which one of the following denotes that region?
(a) Amazon Basin
(b) Congo Basin
(c) Kikori Basin
(d) Rio de la Plata Basin
Ans. (b)
Peatlands
- Peatlands are essentially wetland ecosystems in which waterlogging prevents plants from fully decomposing, are very crucial in slowing climate change because of their ability to store carbon.
- Peatland covers only about 3% of Earth’s land surface but stores about one-third of its soil carbon
- The Congo Basin’s peatlands are an essential bulwark in the fight against climate change because they contain the largest stock of carbon held in tropical peat in the world, are 15% bigger than previously thought.
- The Congo Basin peatlands alone contain about 29 billion tons of carbon, equivalent to about three years of worldwide carbon-dioxide emission
- The Congo Basin is home to the world’s largest tropical peatlands, along with Brazil and Indonesia.
- The peatlands were mapped for the first time by scientists in 2017, and for the moment they remain relatively untouched.
- In August 2022, Congo launched a tender round for 30 oil and gas permits, several of which overlap with the peatlands.
- Congo is also the site of most of the Congo Basin rainforest, the second-largest in the world after the Amazon.
CURRENT AFFAIRS AUGUST 2022
UPSC – CSE Prelims 2023
ENVIRONMENT – CLIMATE CHANGE
1. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Carbon markets are likely to be one of the most widespread tools in the fight against climate change.
Statement-II: Carbon markets transfer resources from the private sector to the State.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Answer : (a)
Statement-I: Carbon markets are likely to be one of the most widespread tools in the fight against climate change: This statement is correct. Carbon markets, such as emissions trading or cap-and-trade systems, have emerged as important tools in the fight against climate change. They provide economic incentives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the transition to cleaner technologies.
Statement-II: Carbon markets transfer resources from the private sector to the State: This statement is the correct explanation for Statement-I. In carbon markets, private sector entities are typically required to purchase or acquire emission allowances or credits to cover their emissions. The revenue generated from the sale of these allowances or credits can be used by the State for various purposes, such as funding climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives.
Based on the revised explanations, the correct answer is (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I. Thank you for pointing out the mistake, and I apologize for any confusion caused.
ENVIRONMENT – CLIMATE CHANGE
2. Consider the following activities:
- Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively
- Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime
- Capturing carbon dioxide released by various industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated waters
How many of the above activities are often considered and discussed for carbon capture and sequestration?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c) All three
Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively: This activity, known as enhanced weathering, involves spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands to increase the rate of carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere through chemical reactions. The basalt reacts with carbon dioxide to form carbonate minerals, effectively storing carbon in a solid form.
Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime: This activity, known as ocean alkalinity enhancement, involves adding lime or other alkaline substances to the oceans to increase their alkalinity. This process promotes the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the ocean, enhancing the ocean’s capacity to act as a carbon sink.
Capturing carbon dioxide released by various industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated waters: This activity refers to carbon capture and storage (CCS), which involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and storing them underground in suitable geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs or deep saline aquifers.
All three activities mentioned are often considered and discussed as potential methods for carbon capture and sequestration to mitigate climate change by reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Therefore, the correct answer is (c) All three.