THE GIST of Editorial for UPSC Exams : 29 November 2019 (Combat global warming inadequate (Mint))

Combat global warming inadequate (Mint)

Mains Paper 3: Environment
Prelims level : UNEP
Mains level : Highlights about combating air pollution

Context:

•  UN Environment Programme (UNEP) released its annual Emissions Gap Report for the year 2019.

Key Highlights of the report:

1. Anticipated emissions:

•  Greenhouse gas emissions have risen 1.5 per cent per year over the last decade. Emissions in 2018, including from land-use changes such as deforestation, hit a new high of 55.3 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent.
•  Even if all current unconditional commitments under the Paris Agreement are implemented, temperatures are expected to rise by 3.2°C over pre-industrial levels.

2. Accused countries:

•  The United States is the highest producer of greenhouse gases when measured on a per capita basis. Overall, China is the world’s largest producer.
•  India is the third-largest emitter behind the United States and China respectively. India’s per capita emissions, however, are significantly below the United States, China and many others.
•  G20 nations collectively account for 78 per cent of all emissions, but only five G20 members have committed to a long-term zero emissions target.

Way ahead:

•  To meet the 1.5°C temperature goal of the Paris Agreement, global greenhouse gas emissions must fall by 7.6 per cent each year between 2020 and 2030.
•  To deliver on these cuts, the levels of ambition in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) must increase at least fivefold for the 1.5°C goal and threefold for the 2°C.

  Online Coaching for UPSC PRE Exam

  General Studies Pre. Cum Mains Study Materials

Prelims Questions:

Q1. With reference to the negative interest rates, consider the following statements:
1. A negative interest means that instead of the bank paying you money to keep in the savings account, you pay the bank to do so.
2. U.K did it first in 2009 but now European Central Bank rates are also negative as are Japanese rates.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A
Mains Questions:
Q1. Describe the key highlights of the UN Environment Programme annual report.