Climate Change & Conventions

The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) was established in response to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) 2012, also known as Rio+20, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Rio+20 conference aimed to reaffirm global commitment to sustainable development and highlight the importance of transitioning to green economies i.e. economic systems that promote environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and economic growth. PAGE was launched as a collaborative initiative to support countries in developing policies and strategies for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

* Carbon fertilization is the increased rate of photosynthesis in plants due to the higher concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. * During Photosynthesis plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, along with water and sunlight, to produce sugars (glucose) that provide energy for growth. This process releases oxygen (O₂) as a byproduct. * The concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere is currently at its highest level in millions of years, primarily due to human activities such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation. * Many plants respond to higher CO₂ levels with an increased rate of photosynthesis, enabling them to produce more sugars, which can lead to faster growth and higher biomass production.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat launched the Climate Neutral Now initiative in 2015 to encourage individuals, businesses, and governments to take voluntary action towards climate neutrality. In 2016, the Secretariat introduced a new pillar under its "Momentum for Change" initiative, focusing on Climate Neutral Now as part of broader efforts to highlight and promote successful climate action worldwide. Climate neutrality is a three-step process, which requires individuals, companies, and governments to: 1. Measure their climate footprint (greenhouse gas emissions). 2. Reduce emissions as much as possible through sustainable practices and efficiency improvements. 3. Offset unavoidable emissions using UN-certified emission reductions (CERs). This initiative aligns with global efforts to meet the Paris Agreement goals, fostering greater accountability and proactive engagement in combating climate change.

The term "sixth mass extinction" is used in the context of discussions about the current rapid decline in biodiversity and the potential for it to be as significant as the five major extinction events in Earth's history. Mass extinction events: Throughout Earth's history, there have been five major extinction events where a large percentage of species (estimated at 75% or more) disappeared in a geologically short period. Examples include the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event that wiped out non-avian dinosaurs. Sixth mass extinction: Scientists are concerned that human activities like habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of resources are causing a mass extinction event that could be as severe as the previous ones. Thus, the correct answer is 'D'.

All three options (1, 2, and 3) can be potential sites for carbon sequestration Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams: These underground coal mines already have existing rock formations suitable for storing carbon dioxide. Since they are no longer operational, they can be repurposed for CO2 storage, potentially with the added benefit of enhancing methane capture from abandoned mines. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs: Once oil and gas reserves are depleted, they still have porous rock structures that can trap injected carbon dioxide. Repurposing these reservoirs for carbon storage leverages existing infrastructure and reduces the need for drilling new wells. Subterranean deep saline formations: Deep saline formations are layers of rock saturated with briny water, far below freshwater resources. Their geological properties allow for the storage of large volumes of carbon dioxide with minimal risk of leakage or contamination of freshwater sources.

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants was launched by a joint effort of
1. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
2. Six countries Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden, and the United States Statement 1 is incorrect. The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is not a unique initiative of the G20 group of countries. While some G20 members were involved in its launch, the CCAC has grown into a broader coalition that includes over 160 governments, intergovernmental organisations, and non-governmental organisations. Statement 2 is correct. The CCAC's primary focus is indeed on reducing emissions of potent short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). These include Methane (CH4), Black Carbon (BC) and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Statement 1 is correct: The GCCA was established by the European Union to enhance climate cooperation with developing nations, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Statement 2 is correct: A core objective of the GCCA is to provide technical and financial assistance to developing countries, helping them integrate climate change adaptation and mitigation into their national policies, development strategies, and budgets. Statement 3 is incorrect: The GCCA is coordinated by the European Commission through its established political dialogue and cooperation mechanisms. It is not managed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) or the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

Statement 1 is correct: Reduced or zero tillage of the land minimises soil disturbance, promoting better water retention. Less disturbed soil creates a more compact surface that reduces evaporation and allows rainwater to infiltrate deeper into the ground. Statement 2 is incorrect: Applying gypsum before irrigating the field Gypsum (calcium sulfate) is a soil amendment that can improve soil structure and drainage in some situations. However, it doesn't directly conserve water. In some cases, excessive gypsum application might even increase the leaching of nutrients and salts. Statement 3 is correct: Allowing crop residue to remain in the field Leaving crop residue on the soil surface acts like a mulch. This mulch helps suppress weeds, reduces soil erosion, and minimises water evaporation from the soil surface.

Statement 1 is correct: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was launched by India and France on November 30, 2015, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris. The primary aim of ISA is to promote solar energy deployment, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and support sustainable energy solutions, particularly in developing countries. Statement 2 is incorrect: Initially, ISA was open only to 121 solar-rich countries located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn (the "Sun Belt"), as these regions receive abundant solar radiation throughout the year. *However, in 2018, ISA expanded its membership to include all UN member states, allowing countries beyond the tropics to join and benefit from solar energy initiatives. This change made ISA a more inclusive global platform for promoting solar energy adoption worldwide.*

Statement 1 is incorrect: The agreement did not "go into effect in 2017." It was adopted in Dec 2015, signed in April 2016, and legally entered into force on November 4, 2016, after the "55/55" threshold (55 countries representing 55% of global emissions) was met. Statement 2 is correct: This is the core "temperature goal" of the Paris Agreement: keeping the increase well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Statement 3 is incorrect: While the agreement acknowledges "Common But Differentiated Responsibilities" (CBDR), the financial commitment was $100 billion per year by 2020, not $1000 billion.