Previous Year: Short Questions with Answers- Environment and Natural Resources

Previous Year Questions 2025

Q.1. Which one among the following agreements was to cut the greenhouse gas emissions?  (1 Mark)
(A) Antarctic Treaty 
(B) Kyoto Protocol 
(C) Montreal Protocol 
(D) Antarctic Environmental Protocol 

Answer: (B) Kyoto Protocol 
Solution: The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement specifically designed to set targets for industrialised countries to cut their greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate global warming.

Q.2. The book "Limits to Growth" deals with which one of the following problems?   (1 Mark)
(A) Exploitation of resources 
(B) Deforestation 
(C) Growing population 
(D) Hole in ozone layer 

Answer: (A) Exploitation of resources
Solution: Published by the Club of Rome in 1972, the book dramatised the potential depletion and exploitation of the Earth's resources against the backdrop of a rapidly growing world population.

Q.3. Agenda-21 contains a list of __________ .   (1 Mark)
(A) global commons 
(B) development practices 
(C) polluting practices 
(D) developed countries 

Answer: (B) development practices
Solution: Produced at the 1992 Rio Summit, Agenda 21 recommended a list of development practices to help achieve sustainable development globally.

Q.4. In which layer of the atmosphere is ozone found?   (1 Mark)
(A) Troposphere 
(B) Stratosphere 
(C) Mesosphere 
(D) Thermosphere 

Answer: (B) Stratosphere 
Solution: The ozone layer, which faces a steady decline known as the ozone hole, is located in the Earth's stratosphere.

Q.5. Common resources denote the resources which are:   (1 Mark)
(A) Owned by everyone and shared by the community. 
(B) Owned by everyone and not shared by the community. 
(C) Not owned by anyone but rather shared by the community. 
(D) Owned by none and shared by none. 

Answer: (C) Not owned by anyone but rather shared by the community.
Solution: 'Commons' are defined as resources that are not owned by anyone but are shared by a community, such as a park or river.

Q.6. In which year did India sign and ratify the 1997 Kyoto Protocol?   (1 Mark)
(A) 2001 
(B) 2002 
(C) 2003 
(D) 2004 

Answer: (B) 2002
Solution: India signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol in August 2002, benefiting from exemptions granted to developing countries regarding greenhouse gas emission requirements.

Q.7. Name any four global commons / elements of Global Commons.   (2 Marks)

Answer: The global commons are regions of the world located outside the sovereign jurisdiction of any single state, requiring international governance. The four primary elements include the Earth's atmosphere, Antarctica, the ocean floor, and outer space. Cooperation over these areas is managed through international agreements like the Antarctic Treaty.

Q.8. State any two outcomes of the Rio Summit.   (2 Marks)

Answer: First, the summit achieved a global consensus on sustainable development, which combines economic growth with ecological responsibility. Second, it produced significant international conventions dealing with climate change, biodiversity, and forestry, while recommending the Agenda 21 list of development practices to guide future environmental policy.

Q.9. Name any four Green House gases.   (2 Marks)

Answer: Greenhouse gases are considered responsible for global warming and rising global temperatures. According to the sources, primary examples include Carbon dioxide, Methane, and Hydro-fluoro carbons. These gases originate largely from industrial activities in developed countries, leading to international efforts like the Kyoto Protocol to curb them.

Q.10. Define the Indigenous people.   (2 Marks)

Answer: The UN defines indigenous populations as descendants of people who inhabited a territory at the time when persons of a different culture or ethnic origin arrived from elsewhere and overcame them. They live according to their own social, economic, and cultural customs rather than national institutions.

Q11: Name any four elements of Global Commons.  (2 Marks)

Answer: The global commons are areas or regions of the world that are located outside the sovereign jurisdiction of any single state and therefore require common governance by the international community. The four primary elements of the global commons are the Earth's atmosphere, Antarctica, the ocean floor, and outer space. Cooperation over these areas is complex because it is heavily influenced by North-South inequalities regarding technology and industrial development.

Q.12. What is the Kyoto Protocol. Explain.   (2 Marks)

Answer: The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement finalized in 1997 in Japan. It sets mandatory targets for industrialised countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is based on the principle of equity, acknowledging that developed nations bear historical responsibility for the largest share of global emissions.

Q.13. In which country was the Kyoto Protocol signed? Name any two countries which were exempted from the Protocol.   (2 Marks)

Answer: The Kyoto Protocol was signed in Japan. India and China were among the developing countries exempted from its emission reduction requirements. This was because their per capita emissions were relatively low and their historical contribution to greenhouse gas accumulation was not significant.

Q.14. Explain the steps taken by the Indian government for the protection of the environment.    (4 Marks)

Answer: The Indian government has implemented several programmes to fulfill global environmental commitments. Key steps include the National Auto-fuel Policy, which mandates the use of cleaner fuels for vehicles to reduce urban pollution. The Energy Conservation Act (2001) was passed to improve energy efficiency across sectors, while the Electricity Act of 2003 encourages the use of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, India has launched a National Mission on Biodiesel and possesses one of the world's largest renewable energy programmes. Recently, India solidified its commitment by ratifying the Paris Climate Agreement on 2nd October 2016, continuing its efforts toward clean coal technologies and natural gas imports.

Q.15. "States have not only common, but differentiated responsibilities also." Support the statement with two suitable arguments.   (4 Marks)

Answer: This principle, accepted at the 1992 Earth Summit, acknowledges that all states must protect the environment but their duties differ based on two main arguments:
1. Historical Responsibility: Developing countries argue that the current ecological degradation is primarily the result of industrial development undertaken by developed nations over centuries. Therefore, the North must take greater responsibility for undoing the damage.
2. Current Development Needs: Developing countries are still in the process of industrialisation. Subjecting them to the same strict restrictions as developed nations would hinder their overriding priority of economic and social development. Their per capita emissions remain significantly lower than the global average.

Q.16. Highlight any two threats to the survival of Indigenous people.   (4 Marks)

Answer: Indigenous peoples face critical threats that endanger their unique way of life:
1. Loss of Land and Resource Base: For indigenous societies, land is not just a territory but an economic resource base. The loss of land-their continued occupancy since "times immemorial"-is the most direct threat to their physical and cultural survival.
2. Displacement by Development: In countries like India, indigenous groups have paid a high cost for national progress. They constitute the single largest group displaced by various developmental projects, such as dams and mines, since independence, often without receiving the actual benefits of that development.

Q.17. Study the given picture and answer the questions that follow:  (4 Marks)

(17.1) Which one of the following is the most important resource in global strategy? 
(A) Water 
(B) Oil 
(C) Land 
(D) Automobile 

Answer: (B) 
Solution: Throughout the 20th century and into the present, oil remains the most important resource in global strategy. The global economy relies on it as an indispensable and portable fuel, and its immense wealth generates political struggles and wars to control its supply.

(17.2) Which of the following regions accounts for about 30% of global oil production?
(A) Europe 
(B) China 
(C) Gulf Region 
(D) Japan 

Answer: (C) 
Solution: West Asia, specifically the Gulf region, is a critical focal point in resource geopolitics because it accounts for approximately 30 per cent of global oil production. Furthermore, it holds about 64 per cent of the planet's known oil reserves.

(17.3) Which Gulf country was invaded by US America? 
(A) Iraq 
(B) Saudi Arabia 
(C) Kuwait 
(D) Iran 

Answer: (A) 
Solution: The United States invaded Iraq, a country whose known oil reserves are second only to Saudi Arabia's. The invasion is often analyzed through the lens of resource geopolitics, as securing Iraq's vast and partially unexplored reserves is vital for global consumers.

(17.4) What was the objective of the United States of America to attack the Gulf country? 
(A) To get control on the oil resources 
(B) To get the territory of a country 
(C) To establish its army headquarters 
(D) To stop USSR from entering this region 

Answer: (A) 
Solution: The primary strategic objective was to secure control over oil resources. Powerful nations ensure a steady flow of resources by deploying military forces near exploitation sites, propping up friendly governments, and taking action to prevent any threat to the security of supply.

Q.18. Explain any four environmental concerns that have become important for global politics.   (4 Marks)

Answer: Environmental issues have entered world politics because no single government can address them alone. Four major concerns include:

1. Loss of Soil Fertility: Cultivable land is losing fertility, and grasslands are overgrazed, severely restricting global food production.

2. Water Scarcity and Pollution: 663 million people lack access to safe water, and 2.4 billion lack sanitation, causing millions of child deaths annually.

3. Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss: Natural forests, which stabilize the climate, are being cut down, leading to a massive loss of species habitat.

4. Ozone Depletion: The "ozone hole" in the stratosphere poses real dangers to ecosystems and human health globally.

Q.19. Explain any four steps taken by the Indian government for the protection of the environment.  (4 Marks)

Answer: India has initiated several domestic programmes to fulfill global environmental commitments while prioritizing its development needs. Four key steps include:

1. National Auto-fuel Policy: This mandates the use of cleaner fuels for vehicles to curb urban air pollution.

2. Energy Conservation Act (2001): This legislation outlines specific initiatives to improve energy efficiency across various sectors.

3. Electricity Act of 2003: This act encourages the use of renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

4. National Mission on Biodiesel: The government targeted approximately 11 million hectares of land to produce biodiesel. Additionally, India ratified the Paris Climate Agreement in 2016 and continues to promote clean coal technologies and one of the world's largest renewable energy programmes.

Q.20. Explain the geo-politics of resources with the help of the example of oil.   (4 Marks)

Answer: Resource geopolitics determines who gets what, when, and how regarding strategic materials. Oil is the prime example because the global economy relied on it throughout the 20th century as a portable fuel. The immense wealth generated by oil leads to political struggles and wars. The Gulf region is the focus of Western strategic thinking because it holds 64% of the planet's known reserves. To ensure a steady flow, powerful nations like the US deploy military forces near exploitation sites and sea-lanes, support friendly governments, and sometimes invade producing countries like Iraq to secure their supply.

Q.21. Study the cartoon given below and answer the questions based on it:   (4 Marks)

(i) Which country has attacked any other country to have control on oil resources? 
(A) India 
(B) Pakistan 
(C) United States of America 
(D) United Kingdom 

Answer: (C) 
Solution: The sources highlight the United States' invasion of Iraq as a primary example of a big power taking military action to secure strategic control over oil reserves.

(ii) Which one of the following country is not a part of the Gulf region?
(A) Saudi Arabia 
(B) Japan 
(C) Italy 
(D) Vietnam 

Answer: (B) 
Solution: While Saudi Arabia is a major producer in the Gulf region, countries like Japan and Vietnam are consumers located at a considerable distance from the region.

(iii) Which one of the following is an example of a war for getting control of the natural resources like oil? 
(A) Indo-China War 1962 
(B) Indo-Pak War 1971 
(C) Gulf War 
(D) Second World War 

Answer: (C) 
Solution: The Gulf War is the most appropriate example of a conflict centered on the control of the Gulf region, which holds about 64% of the planet's known oil reserves.

(iv) Which one of the following is the most appropriate message given by the cartoon? 
(A) Oil is an important resource for developed countries. 
(B) Oil is cheap for making payment. 
(C) Big powers can attack the small countries to grab oil resources. 
(D) Oil producing countries need the help of big powers. 

Answer: (C) 
Solution: The cartoon illustrates resource geopolitics, where big powers use military force or support pliable regimes in smaller, resource-rich countries to ensure a steady flow of "black gold" for their own economies.

Previous Year Questions 2024

Q.1. Match List I with List II and choose the correct option: (1 Marks)
(A) 1-(iii), 2-(iv), 3-(i), 4-(ii) 
(B) 1-(ii), 2-(iii), 3-(iv), 4-(i) 
(C) 1-(iv), 2-(i), 3-(iii), 4-(ii) 
(D) 1-(i), 2-(ii), 3-(iii), 4-(iv) 

Answer: (A) 1-(iii), 2-(iv), 3-(i), 4-(ii)
Solution: According to the sources, the Kyoto Protocol aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The Electricity Act of 2003 in India encourages renewable energy use. Agenda 21 is a recommended list of development practices, and Sustainable Development focuses on combining economic growth with ecological responsibility.

Q.2. In the following question, two statements are given - one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other labelled as Reason (R). Read these statements carefully and choose the correct option as the answer from the options (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below. (1 Marks) 
Assertion (A) : Oil continues to be the most important resource in global strategy. 
Reason (R) : The immense wealth associated with oil generates political struggles.
(A) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A). 
(B) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A). 
(C) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false. 
(D) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Answer: (A) 
Solution: The sources state that oil continues to be the most important resource in global strategy. The immense wealth associated with oil generates intense political struggles and wars to control it, particularly in West and Central Asia.

Q.3. Match the List-I correctly with List-II: (1 Marks)
(A) a-iv b-iii c-ii d-i 
(B) a-i b-ii c-iii d-iv 
(C) a-ii b-iv c-i d-iii 
(D) a-iii b-i c-iv d-ii 

Answer: (A) a-iv b-iii c-ii d-i 
Solution: Following the timeline in the sources, the Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959. The Montreal Protocol followed in 1987. The Antarctic Environmental Protocol was established in 1991, and the Kyoto Protocol was agreed upon in 1997.

Q.4. In the following question, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Choose the appropriate option as the answer. (1 Marks) 
Assertion (A) : India, China and other developing countries were exempted from the requirements of Kyoto Protocol. 
Reason (R) : Their contribution to the emission of green house gases during the industrialisation period was not significant.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). 
(B) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is correct and (R) is incorrect. 
(D) (A) is incorrect and (R) is correct. 

Answer: (A) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). 
Solution: The sources confirm that India and China were exempted from Kyoto Protocol requirements. This is because their historical contribution to greenhouse gas emissions during their industrialization period was considered insignificant compared to developed nations.

Q.5. In the following question, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Choose the correct option as answer. (1 Marks) 
Assertion (A) : Presently the global atmosphere is warming up. 
Reason (R) : A steady decline in the total amount of Ozone in the earth's stratosphere. 
(A) Both the Assertion (A) and the Reason (R) are correct, and the Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A). 
(B) Both the Assertion (A) and the Reason (R) are correct, but the Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A). 
(C) The Assertion (A) is correct, but the Reason (R) is incorrect. 
(D) The Assertion (A) is incorrect, but the Reason (R) is correct. 

Answer: (B) Both the Assertion (A) and the Reason (R) are correct, but the Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
Solution: While the global atmosphere is warming due to greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, and there is a steady decline in ozone (the ozone hole), these are distinct environmental issues. The ozone hole poses dangers to health but is not the primary driver of global warming.

Q.6. Arrange the following events in chronological order and choose the correct option as answer : (1 Marks) 
(i) First Earth Summit
(ii) India Signed Kyoto Protocol 
(iii) The Energy Conservation Act 
(iv) Antarctic Environmental Protocol
(A) (i), (iii), (ii), (iv) 
(B) (ii), (iv), (iii), (i) 
(C) (iv), (i), (iii), (ii) 
(D) (iv), (i), (ii), (iii) 

Answer: (D) (iv), (i), (ii), (iii) 
Solution: The chronological order is: Antarctic Environmental Protocol (1991), First Earth Summit (1992), India signed the Kyoto Protocol (August 2002), and the Energy Conservation Act (2001, though often grouped with later implementation policies like the Electricity Act 2003). Note: In specific source order, the Protocol precedes the Summit, which precedes India's signing.

Q.7. Which one of the following is NOT a global common ? (1 Marks)
(A) Earth's atmosphere 
(B) Antarctica 
(C) Forests
(D) Outer space 

Answer: (C) Forests
Solution: The sources define Global Commons as areas outside sovereign jurisdiction, including the earth's atmosphere, Antarctica, the ocean floor, and outer space. Forests are generally considered common property resources managed by specific communities or states rather than global commons.

Q.8. Explain any two outcomes of the 'Earth Summit' held in June 1992 at Rio-de-Janeiro.

Answer: Outcomes:
(i) A list of development practices called "Agenda 21" were recommended.
(ii) There was consensus on sustainable development.
(iii) The principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities' was accepted.

Q.9. Analyse any two reasons as to why issues of environment and natural resources have become a part of the World Politics.

Answer: Reasons:
(i) Throughout the world cultivable area is barely expanding any more and a substantial portion of existing agricultural land is loosing fertility.
(ii) About 1.2 billion people in developing countries have no access to safe drinking water.
(iii) Natural forest are being cut down throughout the world which has disestablished the climate.
(iv) A steady decline in the total amount of ozone is taking place in the earth's stratosphere which is posing real danger to eco system.
(v) These issues can be solved at the global level by cooperation of the governments of various countries.

Q.10. Suggest any two measures to protect your surroundings from pollution. (2 Marks) 

Answer: Measures include implementing cleaner fuels for vehicles as mandated by policies like India's National Auto-fuel Policy. Another measure is improving energy efficiency through initiatives outlined in the Energy Conservation Act, which helps reduce the overall industrial impact on the environment. Such measures help reduce environmental damage at the local level. Collective participation makes pollution control more effective.

Q.11. Explain the concept of "Common Property Resources" with the help of an example. (2 Marks) 

Answer: Common property resources are those owned by a group where members have both rights and duties regarding the resource's use and maintenance. An example is the sacred groves in India, which are parcels of forest traditionally managed by village communities for religious and ecological preservation. These resources promote collective responsibility among users. Their sustainable use depends on community cooperation and regulation.

Q.12. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: (4 Marks) 
India is of the view that the major responsibility of curbing emission of greenhouse gases rests with the developed countries, which have accumulated emissions over a long period of time. India pointed out that the per capita emission rates of the developing countries are a tiny fraction of those in the developed world. 
(i) India signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol in: 
(A) August 2000 
(B) August 2001 
(C) August 2002 
(D) August 2003

Answer: (C) August 2002
Solution: India signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol in August 2002, reaffirming its commitment to addressing climate change while emphasizing the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

(ii) Why were some developing countries exempted from the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol? 
(A) They were pioneers in developing eco-friendly technology. 
(B) They were assisting some other countries to adopt clean technologies. 
(C) They had already launched renewable energy programmes. 
(D) Their contribution to emission of greenhouse gases was insignificant.

Answer: (D) Their contribution to emission of greenhouse gases was insignificant during the industrialization period
Solution: Developing countries were exempted because their historical contribution to greenhouse gas emissions during the period of industrialization was very low compared to developed nations. Therefore, binding emission reduction targets were not imposed on them.

(iii) Where was the Earth Summit held? (iv) Which one of the following is an example of Global Commons? 
(A) Paris 
(B) Rio de Janeiro 
(C) Kyoto 
(D) Montreal

Answer: (B) Rio de Janeiro.
Solution: The Earth Summit, officially known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), was held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. It focused on global environmental protection and sustainable development.

(iv) Which one of the following is an example of Global Commons ? 
(A) The Great Barrier Reef 
(B) The Grand Canyon 
(C) The Outer Space 
(D) The Sahara Desert 

Answer: (C) The Outer Space.
Solution: Global Commons are resources that are shared by all humanity and lie outside national jurisdiction. Outer Space is considered a global common as it is not owned by any single country.

Q.13. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions that follow: (4 Marks)
The growing focus on environmental issues within the arena of global politics was firmly consolidated at United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro of Brazil. This was also called the Earth Summit.
(i) In which year was the Earth Summit held? 
(A) 1990 
(B) 1991 
(C) 1992 
(D) 1993

Answer: (C) 1992.
Solution: The Earth Summit, formally known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), was held in 1992 at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It marked a major milestone in bringing environmental issues to the forefront of global politics.

(ii) Which one of the following countries was exempted from the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol? 
(A) USA
(B) United Kingdom 
(C) France 
(D) China 

Answer: (D) China
Solution: China, being a developing country, was exempted from binding emission reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol because its historical contribution to greenhouse gas emissions was relatively low during the industrialisation period.

(iii) Which one of the following was not an outcome of the Rio Summit? 
(A) Agenda-21
(B) Sustainable Development 
(C) Common but differentiated responsibilities 
(D) Kyoto Protocol 

Answer: (D) Kyoto Protocol .
Solution: The Rio Summit resulted in Agenda-21, the concept of sustainable development, and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. The Kyoto Protocol was adopted later in 1997 and therefore was not an outcome of the Rio Summit.

(iv) The Ozone hole was discovered in the mid 80's over the _______. 
(A) Atlantic Ocean 
(B) Pacific Ocean 
(C) Antarctic 
(D) Arctic Ocean

Answer: (C) Antarctic.
Solution: The ozone hole was discovered over the Antarctic region in the mid-1980s, highlighting the severe impact of human activities on the ozone layer and leading to global environmental agreements.

Previous Year Questions 2023

Q.1. Highlight any four outcomes of the 'Earth Summit' held in June 1992 at Rio.​

Answer: Outcomes of the Earth Summit 1992:
(i)The environmental issues were brought into the focus of global politics.
(ii) A list of development practices called "Agenda 21" were recommended.
(iii) Sustainable development was emphasized upon.
(iv) The rich and the developed countries pursued  different agenda than the poor and developing  environmental countries of the third world.
(v)The principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities' was accepted.

Q.2. "Globalisation is the outcome of developed technology." Support the statement with two examples.

Answer: Globalisation is the outcome of developed technology as:
(i) Better communication technology has promoted the flow of ideas by smartphones, internet, telephone, etc.
(ii) The flow of ideas, capital, commodities and people to move more easily from one part of the world to another with the help of developed technology.

Q.3. "Development mostly causes degradation of environment." Justify the statement referring to two environmental movements. 

Answer: Development mostly causes degradation of environment as:
(i) Industrialisation and urbanisation have resulted in deforestation which increased environmental pollution. The forest movements of the South, in Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia, continental Africa and India started the movement against deforestation.
(ii) The minerals industry also harm the environment by extraction of earth, use of chemicals, pollution of waterways and land is increased. Philippines  started a movement against an Australian  based MNC known as Western Mining Corporation.
(iii) Building of large dams on the rivers in different countries is another serious cause of the environmental degradation. The early 1980s saw the first anti-dam movement launched to save the Franklin River and its surrounding forests in Australia. India has had some of the leading anti-dam, pro-river movements named Narmada Bachao Andolan is one of the best known of these movements to save environment.

Q.4. Suggest any two measures to conserve the natural resources.

Answer: (i) 3 Rs- Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
(ii) Save forests - Plant more trees
(iii) Use renewable sources of energy
(iv) Obey international rules, regulation and environmental laws.  

Q.5. Which among the following best explains the reason for growing concerns about the environment?
(i) The developed countries are concerned about projecting nature.
(ii) Protection of the environment is vital for indigenous people and natural habitats.
(iii) The environmental degradation caused by human activities has become pervasive and has reached a dangerous level.
(iv) None of the above.

Answer: (iii) The environmental degradation caused by human activities has become pervasive and has reached a dangerous level.

Q.6. Mark correct or wrong against each of the following statements about the Earth Summit:
(i) It was attended by 170 countries, thousands of NGOs and many MNCs.
(ii) The Summit was held under the aegis of the UN.
(iii) For the first time, global environmental issues were firmly consolidated at the political level.
(iv) It was a summit meeting.

Answer: (i) Correct
(ii) Incorrect
(iii) Correct
(iv) Incorrect

Q.7. Which of the following are true about the Global Commons?
(i) The earth's atmosphere, Antarctica, ocean floor and outer space are considered as part of the Global Commons.
(ii) The Global Commons are outside sovereign jurisdiction.
(iii) The question of managing the Global Commons has reflected the North-South divide.
(iv) The countries of the North are more concerned about the protection of the Global Commons than the countries of the South.

Answer: (i) The earth's atmosphere, Antarctica, ocean floor and outer space are considered as part of the Global Commons.

Q.8. Why were developing countries exempted from the requirements of the Kyoto  Protocol?

Answer: The parties to the Protocol agreed that the largest share of global emissions of greenhouse gases has originated in developed countries. It was acknowledged that per capita emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide was still relatively low in developing countries. Therefore, developing countries such as India and China were exempted from the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol.

Q.9. List any four areas or regions which come under 'Global Commons'.

Answer: Global Commons include :
(i) The Earth's atmosphere
(ii) Antarctica
(iii) Ocean floor
(iv) Outer space

Q.10. What is Global Commons? Why is it said that international co-operation over the global commons is not easy?
OR
Explain the meaning of Global Commons. Give any four examples of global commons.

Answer: (i) Global Commons are the resources which are not owned by any one country but rather owned by international community such as the earth's atmosphere, Antarctica, the ocean floor and the outer space.
(ii) It is difficult to achieve consensus on common environmental agenda.
(iii) History of outer space, as a global common, shows that the management of these areas is influenced by North-East inequalities.
(iv) The benefits of exploitative activities in outer space are far from being equal either for the present or the future.

Q.11. Explain the importance and role of concept common but differentiated responsibilities pertaining to environment.
OR
What is meant by common but differentiated responsibilities? How could we implement the idea?
OR
Compromise and accommodation are the two essential policies required by states to save planet Earth. Substantiate the statement in the light of the ongoing negotiations between the North and the South on environmental issues.

Answer: Compromise and accommodation are the two essential policies to save the planet Earth by the states but the states from North and South have different notions towards environmental issues.
(i) The Northern states or the First World states are concerned with ozone depletion, and global warming whereas Southern States or the Third World states want to address the relationship between economic development and environmental management.
(ii) The developed countries of the North want to discuss the environmental issues which stand equally responsible for ecological conservation.
(iii) The developing countries of the South feel that much of the ecological degradation of the world is created by developed countries through their industrial projects and if developed countries cause more environmental degradation, they are supposed to take more responsibility onwards.
(iv) The developing countries are under the process of industrialisation and they should be exempted from restrictions imposed on developed countries through various conventions like Kyoto Protocol, etc.
(v) The special needs of developing countries must be taken into consideration in the process of development, application and interpretation of International Environmental Law.

Q.12. Suggest any two steps to be taken by the government to check pollution and save environment.

Answer: The two steps are:
(i) India's National Auto Fuel Policy mandates cleaner fuels for vehicles. The Energy Conservation Act passed in 2001, outlines initiatives to improve energy efficiency.
(ii) The Electricity Act, 2003, encourages the use of renewable energy.

Q.13. What are environmental movements?

Answer: Environmental movements are the movements of groups which are environmentally conscious to challenge environmental degradation at national or international level. These movements are categorised as forest movements, movements against mining and mineral industry for creating water pollution and anti-dam movement.

Q.14. Explain the role of environmental movements to meet challenge of environmental degradation.

Answer: Role of environmental movements:
(i) Some of them work at the international level whereas most of them work at the local level.
(ii) They are among the most vibrant, diverse and powerful social movements across the globe.
(iii) It is within social movements that new forms of political action are born or reinvented.
(iv) These movements raise new ideas and long-term visions of what we should do and what we should not do in our individual and collective lives.

Q.15. Explain the concept of 'common property resource' with the help of an example from India.
OR
What is meant by common property resources? Explain with examples.

Answer: The concept of common property resource signifies that natural resources are common property for the group. The underlying norm is that members of the groups have both rights and duties with respect to the nature, levels of use and the maintenance of a given resource. Through mutual understanding and centuries of practices, many village communities in India, e.g., have defined member rights and responsibilities.A combination of factors including privatisation, agricultural intensification, population growth  and ecosystem degradation have caused common property to dwindle in size, quality and availability to the poor in most parts of the world.
The sacred groves refer to a system that forces traditional communities informally to harvest natural resources in an ecologically sustained fashion. In India, the sacred groves in state-owned forest land appropriately fit the description of a common property resource. Along the forest belts of South India, sacred groves have been traditionally managed by the village communities.

Q.16. Explain any four steps taken by India to improve the environment.

Answer: The Indian government is participating in global efforts through a number of programmes :
(i) India's National Auto Fuel Policy mandates cleaner fuels for vehicles.
(ii) The Energy Conservation Act 2001 outlines initiatives to improve energy efficiency.
(iii) The Electricity Act 2003 encourages the use of renewable energy.
(iv) Recent trends in importing natural gas and encouraging the adoption of clean coal technologies show that India is making real efforts.
(v) India is also keen to launch a national mission on biodiesel using about 11 million hectares of land to produce biodiesel by 2020.

Q.17. Who are indigenous people as defined in India?

Answer: In India, the definition of indigenous people is usually applied to the Scheduled Tribes who constitute 8.6% (according to National Census 2011) of the total population of the country.

Q.18. What is resource geopolitics? How is global economy relied on it ?

Answer: Resource geopolitics is all about who gets what, when, where and how. Resources have provided some of the key means and motives of global European power expansion. They have also been the focus of inter-state rivalry. Western geopolitical thinking about resources has been dominated by the relationship of trade, war and power, at the core of which were overseas resources and maritime navigation.
The global economy relied on oil for much of the 20th century as a portable and indispensable fuel.The immense wealth associated with oil generates political struggles to control it.
Water is another crucial resource that is relevant to global politics. Regional variations and the increasing scarcity of fresh water in some parts of the world points to the possibility of disagreements over shared water resources as a leading source of conflicts in the 21st century.

Q.19. Define indigenous population. Highlight any two problems of such people.

Answer: The United Nations defines indigenous population as comprising the descendants of people who inhabited the present territory of a country at the time when persons of a different culture or ethnic origin arrived there from other parts of the world and overcame them.
The following problems are faced by such people:
(i) They lost their lands which only belonged to them for a long period of time.
(ii) The loss of land refers to a loss of an economic resource base.
(iii) Issues related to the rights of the indigenous communities have also been neglected in domestic and international politics for long.