CAPF AC 2025 Q32: Environment & Ecology – International Environmental Treaties & Summits
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1 only
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
UN Carbon Offset Platform
How to think: the platform is a public online shop run by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for anyone who wants to offset emissions.
The buyer can be a company, an organisation or an individual.
| Buyer | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| A company | Yes |
| An organisation | Yes |
| A citizen | Yes |
The credits are Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) from projects under the Clean Development Mechanism.
The aim is to let everyone take part in climate-neutral action.
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Companies, organisations and citizens can all buy the credits.
- (b) Incorrect. Individual citizens can also buy.
- (c) Incorrect. Companies can buy as well.
- (d) Incorrect. Organisations and citizens can also buy, not only companies.
Key point
UN Carbon Offset Platform (UNFCCC, Climate Neutral Now): open to individuals, companies and organisations; offsets via Certified Emission Reductions from CDM projects; 1 CER = 1 tonne CO₂e.
Remember
UN Carbon Offset Platform: open to companies, organisations and citizens.
Common mistakes
- Thinking only companies buy carbon credits.
- Assuming a citizen cannot take part in offsetting.
- Mixing the platform with national carbon markets such as India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme.
Exam tip
Educated guess: a platform described as an 'e-commerce platform' is open to anyone, so 'all three' is the natural answer.
Sources
- UNFCCC, UN Carbon Offset Platform (offset.climateneutralnow.org)
- UNFCCC, Climate Neutral Now initiative