Consider the following statements I. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO2/capita.

Environment & Ecology ·Previously asked in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025

View the full solved paper: GS Paper I

Question

Consider the following statements:

I. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO2/capita.

II. In terms of CO2 emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region.

III. Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources of CO2 emissions in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A. I and III only
  2. B. II only
  3. C. II and III only (Correct answer)
  4. D. I, II and III

Correct Answer

Option C — II and III only

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is II and III only.

Key Points

  • India's per-capita CO2 emissions from fuel combustion are approximately 1.9–2.0 tonnes/capita — well above 0.5 t, so Statement I is incorrect.
  • In the Asia-Pacific region, China ranks first in total CO2 emissions from fuel combustion; India ranks second — Statement II is correct.
  • Thermal power plants (electricity and heat generation) are indeed the largest single source of CO2 in India — Statement III is correct.