📘 Q.11 IAS Prelims 2025 — Environment & Ecology (India: CO₂ Emissions Profile)🧷 Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk
📌 The Question:
Consider the following statements:
I. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO₂ per capita.
II. In terms of CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in the Asia-Pacific region.
III. Electricity and heat producers are the largest source of CO₂ emissions in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I and III only
(b) II only
(c) II and III only
(d) I, II and III
✅ Correct Answer: (c)
🔍 Classroom Explanation:
Statement I — Incorrect
India’s per capita CO₂ emissions are much higher than 0.5 t.
- In 2022, India’s per capita emissions were about 2 tonnes CO₂
- Still below the global average (~4.7 t), but clearly above 0.5 t
Hence, Statement I is false.
Statement II — Correct
- In absolute CO₂ emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in the Asia-Pacific region, after China
- This reflects India’s large population and expanding energy demand
Hence, Statement II is correct.
Statement III — Correct
- The electricity and heat production sector is the largest contributor to CO₂ emissions in India
- Heavy dependence on coal-based thermal power drives this trend
Hence, Statement III is correct.
Therefore, Statements II and III only are correct.
🧠 Curiosity Raiser:
How can India’s per-capita emissions remain low while its total emissions rank among the world’s highest?
📚 Enrich Notes (Prelims Edge):
- India: Low per capita, high absolute emissions → key climate negotiation argument
- Power sector dominates emissions due to coal-heavy energy mix
- Climate responsibility debates often hinge on per capita vs cumulative emissions
🕊️ IAS Monk Whisper:
“Climate justice begins where numbers meet context.”
