Q70 · UPPSC Prelims 2021 · Set D · General Studies

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With reference to 'NET-ZERO' goal for 2050, which of the following statements is/are correct?1.It means that a country will bring down its emissions to zero by 2050.2.It means that a country's emissions. will be compensated by absorption and removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.Select the correct answer using the codes given below. Codes:

A Only 1
B Only 2
C Both 1 and 2
D Neither 1 nor 2

Correct answer: (b) Only 2

Explanation

  1. A

    Only 1

    Only 1 is wrong because net-zero does not mean a country must bring its gross emissions down to absolute zero by 2050. Residual emissions may remain if they are balanced by removals. Statement 1 therefore misstates the goal.

  2. B

    Only 2

    Only 2 is the official key. Net-zero means that remaining greenhouse-gas emissions are compensated by absorption and removal from the atmosphere, so that net additions are zero. Statement 2 captures that balance; statement 1 does not. Hence only 2 is correct.

  3. C

    Both 1 and 2

    Both 1 and 2 cannot stand together because statement 1 treats net-zero as literal zero emissions, which contradicts the offsetting idea in statement 2. This option is not the key.

  4. D

    Neither 1 nor 2

    Neither 1 nor 2 would deny the valid definition in statement 2. Net-zero is precisely about balancing remaining emissions with sinks and removals. This option is therefore wrong.

Summary. Official key is (b) Only 2. Net-zero is a net balance, not a requirement that every tonne of gross emission vanish. Sinks, afforestation, carbon capture and other removals can offset leftover emissions. Statement 1 confuses net-zero with absolute zero. Statement 2 is the standard meaning used in climate pledges. Only (b) is correct.

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    With reference to 'Carrying Capacity of Environment', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The rate of resource extraction should remain above the rate of resource generation. 2. Generation of waste should remain within the absorption capacity of environment. Select the correct answer from the code given below:

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