All questions of India And Climate Change for UPSC CSE Exam

Incorrect Statements about LaBL Campaign by UNEP

LaBL (Lighting a Billion Lives) is a campaign by UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) that aims to provide clean energy solutions to people living in energy poverty. The campaign promotes the use of solar lanterns that are specially designed and manufactured on a decentralized basis. The lanterns are distributed in areas where people do not have access to electricity.

1. Incorrect Statement: LaBL is a campaign by UNEP that promotes the use of solar lanterns specially designed and manufactured on a decentralized basis.

This statement is correct. LaBL is a campaign by UNEP that promotes the use of solar lanterns that are designed and manufactured on a decentralized basis. The lanterns are distributed in areas where people do not have access to electricity. The campaign aims to provide clean energy solutions to people living in energy poverty.

2. Incorrect Statement: LaBL has successfully engaged the public sector and leveraged Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

This statement is incorrect. LaBL has not successfully engaged the public sector and leveraged Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The campaign faces several challenges in terms of funding, distribution, and awareness. However, the campaign has collaborated with various organizations, including NGOs, government agencies, and private companies, to promote the use of solar lanterns. The campaign has also trained local entrepreneurs to manufacture and distribute the lanterns, creating job opportunities and promoting economic growth in rural areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct answer is option C, both statements are incorrect. LaBL is a campaign by UNEP that promotes the use of solar lanterns that are designed and manufactured on a decentralized basis. However, the campaign has not successfully engaged the public sector and leveraged Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Understanding the Comprehensive Performance Environmental Index
The Comprehensive Performance Environmental Index (CPEI) is a crucial metric used to assess the environmental health of a region. A score above 70 is significant and indicates varying levels of pollution.
Pollution Levels Defined
When interpreting the CPEI, different ranges correlate with specific pollution statuses:
- Severely Polluted: Scores indicate extreme environmental degradation, often below 50.
- Critically Polluted: Scores between 50 to 70 suggest serious pollution issues that require immediate intervention.
- Polluted: Scores hover around the 70 mark, indicating a concerning level of pollution but not yet reaching critical thresholds.
- Extremely Polluted: This term is generally used for indices that reflect the worst environmental conditions, typically involving scores much lower than 70.
Why Option B is Correct
The assertion that a CPEI score above 70 indicates "Critically polluted" aligns with environmental standards:
- Threshold Significance: A score exceeding 70 does not imply severe pollution but rather indicates a heightened state of concern.
- Action Required: Areas with scores above 70 are likely facing significant environmental challenges, demanding policy changes and remediation efforts.
- Comparative Context: While the term "polluted" may apply, "critically polluted" better encapsulates the urgency for remediation and policy action.
In summary, a CPEI score above 70 indicates critical pollution status, necessitating immediate attention to improve environmental health and sustainability.

Overview of National Wildlife Action Plan Strategies
The National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP) outlines comprehensive strategies aimed at conserving wildlife and their habitats. The following strategies are crucial components of this framework:
1. Strengthening and Enhancing the Protected Area Network
- This strategy emphasizes the need to expand and improve the existing network of protected areas.
- It aims to ensure that critical habitats are safeguarded from encroachment and degradation.
- Strengthening the network supports biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resilience.
2. Effective Management of Protected Areas
- Effective management is essential for the sustainability of protected areas.
- This includes implementing best practices for conservation, monitoring, and enforcement of laws.
- It also involves engaging local communities in the management process to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.
3. Conservation of Wild and Endangered Species and Their Habitats
- This strategy focuses on protecting species at risk of extinction and conserving their natural habitats.
- It encompasses scientific research, habitat restoration, and legal protection for endangered species.
- The aim is to maintain ecological balance and promote biodiversity, which is vital for ecosystem health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, all three strategies outlined in the NWAP are interconnected and essential for the overarching goal of wildlife conservation. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D', as it includes all the strategies mentioned:
- Strengthening and enhancing the protected area network
- Effective management of protected areas
- Conservation of wild and endangered species and their habitats
Each strategy plays a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term conservation of wildlife and their ecosystems.