Climate change and international efforts to mitigate its impacts have become critical components of global policy discussions. The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination has consistently included questions on climate conferences, summits, and associated initiatives, reflecting the increasing relevance of this domain in governance and policy-making. This document categorizes past UPSC Prelims questions on climate conferences and summits into thematic sections, providing a structured overview to aid aspirants in targeted preparation.
International Agreements And Protocols
- Which one of the following statements best describes the ‘Polar Code’? [UPSC (Pre) – 2022]
- (a) It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters.
- (b) It is the agreement of the countries around the North Pole regarding the demarcation of their territories in the polar region.
- (c) It is a set of norms to be followed by the countries whose scientists undertake research studies in the North Pole and South Pole.
- (d) It is a trade and security agreement of the member countries of the Arctic Council.
- Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances? [UPSC (Pre) – 2015]
- (a) Bretton Woods Conference
- (b) Montreal Protocol
- (c) Kyoto Protocol
- (d) Nagoya Protocol
- Consider the following pairs: [UPSC (Pre) – 2016]
Terms sometimes seen in the news — Their origin
- 1. Annexe-I Countries — Cartagena Protocol
- 2. Certified Emissions Reductions — Nagoya Protocol
- 3. Clean Development Mechanism — Kyoto Protocol
Which of the pair/s given above is/are correctly matched?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Which of the following statement/s is/are correct? [UPSC (Pre) – 2016]
Proper design and effective implementation of the UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to:
- 1. Protection of biodiversity
- 2. Resilience of forest ecosystems
- 3. Poverty reduction
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of: [UPSC (Pre) – 2016]
- (a) Pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East
- (b) Plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change
- (c) Capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
- (d) Plan of action outlined by the countries of the world for sustainable development
- What is/are the importance/importances of the “United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification”? [UPSC (Pre) – 2016]
- 1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships.
- 2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions and its Secretariat facilitates the allocation of a major portion of financial resources to these regions.
- 3. It is committed to a bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating desertification.
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
- If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply? [UPSC (Pre) – 2014]
- (a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference.
- (b) The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometers from the edge of the wetland.
- (c) The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed.
- (d) It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site’.
- Regarding ‘carbon credits’, which one of the following statements is not correct? [UPSC (Pre) – 2011]
- (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 emissions.
- (d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme.
Answers
Climate Action And Global Initiatives
Q. 1. Which of the following best describes/describe the aim of ‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India? [UPSC (Pre) – 2016]
- Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets thereby implementing the ‘green accounting’.
- Launching the second green revolution to enhance agricultural output to ensure food security to one and all in the future.
- Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures.
- All of the above.
Q. 2. Consider the following statements: [UPSC (Pre) – 2022]
- The Climate Group is an international non-profit organisation that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them.
- The International Energy Agency in partnership with the Climate Group launched a global initiative “EP100”.
- EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.
- Some Indian companies are members of EP100.
- The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the “Under2 Coalition”.
Select the correct answer:
- 1, 2, 4 and 5
- 1, 3 and 4 only
- 2, 3 and 5 only
- 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Q. 3. With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statement/s is/are correct? [UPSC (Pre) – 2017]
- It is an initiative of the European Union.
- It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
- It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
Select the correct answer:
- 1 and 2 only
- 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Q. 4. What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’? [UPSC (Pre) – 2016]
- It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions.
- 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.
- 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.
- It is one of the multilateral REDD+ initiatives hosted by the World Bank.
Q. 5. Consider the following regarding ‘Earth Hour’: [UPSC (Pre) – 2014]
- It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
- It is a movement in which the participants switch off the lights for one hour on a certain day every year.
- It is a movement to raise awareness about climate change and the need to save the planet.
Select the correct answer:
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Q. 6. Consider the following statements: [UPSC (Pre) – 2017]
- Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to reduce short-lived climate pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries.
- The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.
Select the correct answer:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Q. 7. “Climate Action Tracker” which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a: [UPSC (Pre) – 2022]
- Database created by coalition of research organisations.
- Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change”.
- Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”.
- Agency promoted and financed by United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank.
Q. 8. With reference to the ‘Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture (GACSA)’, which of the following statement/s is/are correct? [UPSC (Pre) – 2018]
- GACSA is an outcome of the Climate Summit held in Paris in 2015.
- Membership of GACSA does not create any binding obligations.
- India was instrumental in the creation of GACSA.
Select the correct answer:
- 1 and 2
- 2 only
- 2 and 3
- 1, 2 and 3
Q. 9. Consider the following statements: [UPSC (Pre) – 2016]
- The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
- The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.
Select the correct answer:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Q. 10. Which of the statements regarding “Green Climate Fund” is/are correct? [UPSC (Pre) – 2015]
- It is intended to assist the developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.
- It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Asian Development Bank and World Bank.
Select the correct answer:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Q. 11. “Bio Carbon Fund Initiative for Sustainable Forest Landscapes” is managed by the: [UPSC (Pre) – 2015]
- Asian Development Bank
- International Monetary Fund
- United Nations Environment Programme
- World Bank
United Nations And Associated Bodies
Q.1. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statement/s is/are correct? [UPSC (Pre) – 2016]
- The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017.
- 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 2°C or even 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
- Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Q.2. With reference to ‘Agenda 21’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements: [UPSC (Pre) – 2016]
- It is a global action plan for sustainable development.
- It originated in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002.
Which of the statement/s given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a)
Q.3. ‘Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now’ is an initiative launched by: [UPSC (Pre) – 2018]
(a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(b) The UNEP Secretariat
(c) The UNFCCC Secretariat
(d) The World Meteorological Organization
Answer: (c)
Conservation And Biodiversity
Q.1. With reference to the New York Declaration on Forests, which of the following statements are correct? [UPSC (Pre) – 2021]
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 codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 1, 3 and 5
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 5
Q.2. With reference to ‘Forest Carbon Partnership Facility’, which of the following statement/s is/are correct? [UPSC (Pre) – 2015]
1. It is a global partnership of governments, businesses, civil society and indigenous peoples.
2. It provides financial aid to universities, individual scientists and institutions involved in scientific forestry research to develop eco-friendly and climate adaptation technologies for sustainable forest management.
3. It assists the countries in their REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation+) efforts by providing them with financial and technical assistance.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q.3. Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC): [UPSC (Pre) – 2017]
1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under United Nations Environment Programme.
2. The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.
Which of the above statement/s is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q.4. With reference to an organization known as ‘Birdlife International’, which of the following statement/s is/are correct? [UPSC (Pre) – 2015]
1. It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations.
2. The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originated from this organization.
3. It identifies the sites known/referred to as ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q.5. With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statement/s is/are correct? [UPSC (Pre) – 2015]
1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments.
2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q.6. Consider the following international agreements: [UPSC (Pre) – 2014]
1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
3. The World Heritage Convention.
Which of the above has/have a bearing on biodiversity?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q.7. With reference to Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), consider the following statements: [UPSC (Pre) – 2014]
1. It is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
2. It strives to conserve nature through action-based research, education and public awareness.
3. It organises and conducts nature trails and camps for the general public.
Which of the statement/s given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q.8. With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statement/s is/are correct? [UPSC (Pre) – 2014]
(a) It serves as a financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’.
(b) It undertakes scientific research on environmental issues at the global level.
(c) It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the transfer of technology and funds to underdeveloped countries with a specific aim to protect their environment.
(d) Both (a) and (b)
Q.9. With reference to a conservation organisation called ‘Wetlands International’, which of the following statement/s is/are correct? [UPSC (Pre) – 2014]
1. It is an intergovernmental organisation formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilise knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.
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
Q.10. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment describes the following major categories of ecosystem services – provisioning, supporting, regulating, preserving and cultural. Which one of the following is a supporting service? [UPSC (Pre) – 2014]
(a) Production of food and water
(b) Control of climate and disease
(c) Nutrient cycling and crop pollination
(d) Maintenance of diversity
Sustainable Development Goals And Economic Initiatives
Q.1. The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a UN mechanism to assist countries transition towards greener and more inclusive economies, emerged at: [UPSC (Pre) – 2018]
- (a) The Earth Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, Johannesburg
- (b) The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro
- (c) The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2015, Paris
- (d) The World Sustainable Development Summit 2016, New Delhi
Q.2. With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’, which of the following statement/s is/are correct? [UPSC (Pre) – 2016]
1. It is an initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum
2. It is a global initiative that focuses on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity
3. It presents an approach that can help decision-makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity.
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
Q.3. What is Rio+20 Conference, often mentioned in the news? [UPSC (Pre) – 2015]
- (a) It is the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.
- (b) It is a Ministerial Meeting of the World Trade Organization.
- (c) It is a Conference of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change.
- (d) It is a Conference of the Member Countries of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Q.4. Consider the following statements: [UPSC (Pre) – 2016]
1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’.
2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.
Which of the statement/s given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2