Question 100 from UPSC CSE 2025 - Environme nt & Ecology

Question

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 the Asia-Pacific region.
III. Electricity and heat producers are the largest source of CO2 emissions in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. II and III only

Strategy: The per capita value in Statement I (less than 0.5 t CO2/capita) is extremely low and incorrect; factual recall shows India's per capita is much higher, allowing elimination of options with I. Statement II asks about India's regional emissions rank, where India is second in Asia-Pacific after China, so II is correct. Statement III refers to sector-wise emissions sources; electricity and heat production is widely known as the largest source, confirming III. Thus, only II and III are correct.

Key Info: India's per capita CO2 emissions have gradually increased, reaching around 2 tonnes per person in 2022. This figure remains far below the global average of approximately 4.7 tonnes but is still much higher than 0.5 tonnes per capita. For comparison, China's per capita emissions are around 8 tonnes, and developed countries like the USA stand at nearly 15 tonnes. In the Asia-Pacific region, India is the second-largest total emitter of CO2 from fuel combustion after China, reflecting its large population and economic size, though its per capita values remain lower than many developed countries in the region. Sector-wise, the largest source of CO2 emissions in India is electricity and heat production, especially from coal-fired thermal plants; this sector contributes the highest share, followed by transport and industry. Data on national emissions sources is regularly compiled by agencies like the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, IEA, and the Global Carbon Project.

Answer

Option A: I and III only

Answer

Option B: II only

Answer

Option D: I, II, and III