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Environment & Ecology

385 questions asked in UPSC Prelims.

2026 · Q28Environment & EcologyInternational Environmental Treaties & Summitsdifficult

At the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in June, 2025 in France, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations demonstrated its leading voice on marine and ocean issues, especially on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture for resilient livelihood and “Blue Transformation”. Which of the following combinations about the “Four Betters” proposed by FAO for “Blue Transformation” is correct ?

  1. (a)Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better ocean
  2. (b)Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life
  3. (c)Better coral reefs, better nutrition, better environment and better life
  4. (d)Better estuaries, better nutrition, better environment and better mangrove vegetation
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Official answer(b) Better production, better nutrition, better environment and better life

2026 · Q31Environment & EcologyClimate Change & Greenhouse Gasesmoderate

Consider the following statements with reference to India’s response to climate change : I. India’s Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) is a crucial tool for achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. II. India’s 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) submitted in December, 2024 recorded around 8% decrease in Greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 over 2019. III. Climate-resilient development necessarily depends on quick and short-term achievement of emission reduction targets. Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct ? 1. Statement I is empirically supported by statement II. 2. Statement III contradicts the approach implicit in statement I. 3. Statement I and statement III together establish the premise of long-term sustainability. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 2
  3. (c)2 and 3
  4. (d)3 only
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Official answer(b) 1 and 2

2026 · Q32Environment & EcologyProtected Areas & Wildlifemoderate

With respect to the Western Hoolock Gibbons, which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. A Sanctuary in North-east India is home to this ape species listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. 2. They have specialized brachiation and can easily swing between trees. 3. They possess a strong and heavy build like gorillas, yet are remarkably agile tree climbers. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 2
  3. (c)2 and 3
  4. (d)3 only
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Official answer(b) 1 and 2

2026 · Q33Environment & EcologyEcosystems & Ecology Conceptsmoderate

Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience ? 1. Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts. 2. Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones. 3. By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 2
  3. (c)2 and 3
  4. (d)3 only
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Official answer(d) 3 only

2026 · Q37Environment & EcologyProtected Areas & Wildlifemoderate

Which of the following statements with regard to the arrival of Amur Falcons at Doyang Lake in Nagaland each year from Mongolia is/are correct ? 1. It showcases how sustained local conservation efforts can contribute to the arrival and protection of international migratory birds. 2. It reflects the global success of advanced tracking technologies that guide migratory birds back to their stopover sites. 3. It confirms that Amur Falcons have adapted to permanent residency in India due to favourable habitat changes. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1 only
  2. (b)1 and 2
  3. (c)2 and 3
  4. (d)3 only
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Official answer(a) 1 only

2026 · Q42Environment & EcologyEnvironmental Governance & Legislationdifficult

Which of the following statements in relation to NIRANTAR (National Institute for Research and Application of Natural Resources to Transform, Adapt and Build Resilience), a platform of institutions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is/are correct ? 1. Ecosystem Survey and Analysis is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata. 2. Research and Management of Ecosystem Service is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi. 3. Capacity Development Support is a vertical under this platform, the lead institute of which is Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal. Select the answer using the code given below :

  1. (a)1, 2 and 3
  2. (b)1 and 3 only
  3. (c)2 only
  4. (d)3 only
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Official answer(b) 1 and 3 only

2025 · Q9Environment & EcologyRenewable Energy & Green Technologieseasy

Consider the following statements : Statement I : Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases. Statement II : Circular economy reduces the use of raw materials as inputs. Statement III : Circular economy reduces wastage in the production process. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. (a)Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
  2. (b)Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
  3. (c)Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
  4. (d)Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
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Official answer(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

2025 · Q29Environment & EcologyClimate Change & Greenhouse Gaseseasy

Consider the following statements : I. Without the atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing point everywhere on the Earth’s surface. II. Heat absorbed and trapped by the atmosphere maintains our planet’s average temperature. III. Atmosphere’s gases, like carbon dioxide, are particularly good at absorbing and trapping radiation. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. (a)I and III only
  2. (b)I and II only
  3. (c)I, II and III
  4. (d)II and III only
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Official answer(c) I, II and III

2025 · Q31Environment & EcologyClimate Change & Greenhouse Gasesmoderate

Consider the following statements : Statement I : Studies indicate that carbon dioxide emissions from cement industry account for more than 5% of global carbon emissions. Statement II : Silica-bearing clay is mixed with limestone while manufacturing cement. Statement III : Limestone is converted into lime during clinker production for cement manufacturing. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. (a)Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
  2. (b)Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
  3. (c)Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
  4. (d)Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
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Official answer(b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I

2025 · Q32Environment & EcologyInternational Environmental Treaties & Summitsmoderate

Consider the following statements : Statement I : At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), India refrained from signing the ‘Declaration on Climate and Health’. Statement II : The COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health is a binding declaration; and if signed, it becomes mandatory to decarbonize health sector. Statement III : If India’s health sector is decarbonized, the resilience of its health-care system may be compromised. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. (a)Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
  2. (b)Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
  3. (c)Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
  4. (d)Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
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Official answer(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I

2025 · Q34Environment & EcologyInternational Environmental Treaties & Summitsmoderate

Consider the following statements : Statement I : Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is frequently discussed in global discussions on sustainable development and climate change. Statement II : Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change sets out the principles of carbon markets. Statement III : Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change intends to promote inter-country non-market strategies to reach their climate targets. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. (a)Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
  2. (b)Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
  3. (c)Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
  4. (d)Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
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Official answer(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

2025 · Q36Environment & EcologyClimate Changemoderate

With reference to ‘Direct Air Capture’, an emerging technology, which of the following statements is/are correct? I. It can be used as a way of carbon sequestration. II. It can be a valuable approach for plastic production and in food processing. III. In aviation, it can be a source of carbon for combining with hydrogen to create synthetic low-carbon fuel. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. (a)I and II only
  2. (b)III only
  3. (c)I, II and III
  4. (d)None of the above statements is correct
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Official answer(c) I, II and III

2025 · Q38Environment & EcologyClimate Change & Greenhouse Gasesmoderate

Consider the following statements : I. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in India are less than 0·5 t CO2/capita. II. In terms of CO2 emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region. III. Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources of CO2 emissions in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (a)I and III only
  2. (b)II only
  3. (c)II and III only
  4. (d)I, II and III
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Official answer(c) II and III only

2025 · Q40Environment & EcologyBiogeochemical Cycles & Earth Systemsmoderate

With reference to the planet Earth, consider the following statements : I. Rain forests produce more oxygen than that produced by oceans. II. Marine phytoplankton and photosynthetic bacteria produce about 50% of world's oxygen. III. Well-oxygenated surface water contains several folds higher oxygen than that in atmospheric air. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. (a)I and II
  2. (b)II only
  3. (c)I and III
  4. (d)None of the above statements is correct
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Official answer(b) II only

2025 · Q50Environment & EcologyPollution & Waste Managementmoderate

Consider the following statements : Statement I : Activated carbon is a good and an attractive tool to remove pollutants from effluent streams and to remediate contaminants from various industries. Statement II : Activated carbon exhibits a large surface area and a strong potential for adsorbing heavy metals. Statement III : Activated carbon can be easily synthesized from environmental wastes with high carbon content. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. (a)Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
  2. (b)Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
  3. (c)Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
  4. (d)Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
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Official answer(a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

2025 · Q63Environment & EcologyRenewable Energy & Green Technologiesmoderate

Consider the following statements : Statement I : Of the two major ethanol producers in the world, i.e., Brazil and the United States of America, the former produces more ethanol than the latter. Statement II : Unlike in the United States of America where corn is the principal feedstock for ethanol production, sugarcane is the principal feedstock for ethanol production in Brazil. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. (a)Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
  2. (b)Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
  3. (c)Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
  4. (d)Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
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Official answer(d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

2024 · Q17Environment & EcologyPollution & Waste Managementeasy

With reference to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in making many consumer products, consider the following statements : 1. PFAS are found to be widespread in drinking water, food and food packaging materials. 2. PFAS are not easily degraded in the environment. 3. Persistent exposure to PFAS can lead to bioaccumulation in animal bodies. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

  1. (a)1 and 2 only
  2. (b)2 and 3 only
  3. (c)1 and 3 only
  4. (d)1, 2 and 3
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Official answer(d) 1, 2 and 3